Thurak0 t1_j2c779f wrote on December 31, 2022 at 4:05 AM

Reply to comment by Fylla in Ukrainian air defense will become stronger in new year – Zelensky by Espressodimare

> air defense can be used offensively

Why? First things first: the air defence needs to keep all of Ukraine safe from cruise missiles and drone attacks. Additionally to keeping military targets safe, their more normal role.

It's a big country, this would be a big achievement.

dbx999 t1_j2cfswu wrote on December 31, 2022 at 5:22 AM

Air defense cannot be used offensively. It typically indicates a hostile aircraft has entered your airspace. So you launch your defensive system(s) to intercept and take down the threat. How is that offensive use of an air defense?

shortsteve t1_j2chgqn wrote on December 31, 2022 at 5:37 AM

They can be used offensively since they're essentially long range precision guided missiles. The problem with using them offensively is that it's not that economical. Traits that make a good missile interceptor doesn't make it a good offensive weapon.

dbx999 t1_j2cicyt wrote on December 31, 2022 at 5:46 AM

Seems like an expensive way to achieve something that a howitzer can do better and cheaper

flopsyplum t1_j2crelp wrote on December 31, 2022 at 7:28 AM

Russian S-400 air defense systems shot down Ukrainian aircraft over Ukrainian airspace during the beginning of the invasion. Seems offensive to me.

Lee1138 t1_j2fdz3a wrote on December 31, 2022 at 9:32 PM

Depends on the system. Russia has been using S-300 in a ground attack capacity for a while now.