The head of state noted that against Russian aircraft that carry KABs, the Ukrainian Defense Forces use only air defense systems.
President Vladimir Zelensky, in an interview for the United News telethon, noted that air defense (air defense), domestic weapons, and fighters are effective tools in the fight against Russian guided aerial bombs (KABs).
According to the head of state, so far the Ukrainian Defense Forces are using only air defense systems against Russian aircraft carrying KABs. Their effective use forced the enemy to launch air bombs from a greater distance.
“At the distance at which we shot down their carriers, they realized that they did not need to go so deep into us. That's why they have now increased the distance. And we must increase long-range air defense systems. I would like to emphasize that Russia is very afraid of this,” Zelensky said.
The President emphasized that the situation should be significantly improved by the F-16s, which the air force will soon receive. But their number will be insufficient for complete protection against KABs, so Ukraine is now also developing its own weapons to counter Russian aviation.
Vladimir Zelensky also said that this year Ukraine will receive from its allies 10% of the required number of F-16 fighters. The head of state noted that this is not enough, unless the fighters will be supplemented with air defense systems.