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dbx999 t1_j2cfswu wrote

Reply to comment by Thurak0 in Ukrainian air defense will become stronger in new year – Zelensky by Espressodimare

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?

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shortsteve t1_j2chgqn wrote

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.

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dbx999 t1_j2cicyt wrote

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

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flopsyplum t1_j2crelp wrote

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

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Lee1138 t1_j2fdz3a wrote

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

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