New Mobile AA Teams deployed in northern Ukraine
23 October, 2023 Viktor anti-aircraft systems of the Ukrainian military, 2023. Photo credits: Joint Forces Command Training and formation of new Mobile AA Teams is underway in northern Ukraine.
This was announced by Lieutenant General Serhiy Naiev, Commander of the Joint Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Such Mobile AA Teams are on duty around the clock to defend against Russian cruise missiles and drones in threatened areas. According to the commander, "the formation and training of new Mobile AA Teams in the Northern Operational Zone is quite effective."
Kamikaze drone Shahed-136.Illustrative photo
Naiev noted that this was made possible thanks to new modern foreign-made weapons arriving in Ukraine from partner countries. The Lieutenant General emphasizes that Mobile AA Teams play an important role in protecting Ukraine's airspace. "Day and night, 24/7, these crews go on missions to destroy enemy air targets. The anti-aircraft machine guns are an adequate response to the enemy's strategy of depleting our air defense system," says Serhiy Naiev.
It is noted that the Russians are counting on a stockpile of expensive anti-aircraft missiles to shoot down their UAVs. "Instead, an anti-aircraft machine gun system allows you to solve a combat task using relatively inexpensive ammunition," the statement said.
Mobile AA Teams
With the beginning of the large-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, Mobile AA Teams were created to quickly strengthen air defense.
Ukrainian Mobile AA TeamsTo ensure the mobility, such teams mostly use off-road vehicles equipped with large-caliber machine guns and small-caliber anti-aircraft guns. They are also reinforced by soldiers with man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS).
The Viktor mobile air defense system of the Ukrainian military, 2023.Ukraine.
Photo credits: Joint Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Command
Every time an enemy air attack begins, Mobile AA Teams are already on full alert to shoot down Russian cruise missiles and drones.