The Russian anti-aircraft gunners begin to learn how to shoot the US-supplied ATACMS silently supplied by the US and already used by Ukrainian forces.
As per sources and military experts, the Russian Defense forces are developing countermeasures and algorithms, studying trajectories, manoeuvring and flight speeds, and monitoring practical launches.
Ukrainian Special Forces claim to have launched nighttime attacks on two Russian airfields in eastern and southern Ukraine, resulting in the destruction of nine Russian helicopters, including four Mi-8s and five Ka-52s, other equipment and military personnel.
The ATACMS, with its 300km range, was previously being denied for supply to Ukraine for fears of escalation from Russia. However, the confirmation and use of the ATACMS demonstrated that the US appears to be unconvinced anymore of Russian threats.
In response, Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, emphasized during a briefing in Beijing that the Russian Aerospace Forces will commence permanent patrols above the neutral airspace above the Black Sea with MIG-31 supersonic interceptors carrying kinzhal Hypersonic missiles.
Putin’s decision also relates to the appearance of the two US warships in the Mediterranean, but he explains that this is not a threat.
According to him, they have a range of over 1,000 kilometres and a speed of Mach nine. “American aircraft carriers stationed in the Mediterranean Sea are within the range of Russian airborne hypersonic missiles in the Black Sea.” this is not a warning but a reminder, said Putin.
He also comments on the statement of US President Joe Biden that Russia has already lost the war. Putin says, “Then they should take back the ATACMS. And also all other weapons. Then they should come to our place for Blinis [pancakes] and tea.”
The Kinshal missiles can carry nuclear warheads with a range of more than 1000 km and a speed of Mach 9.
