Russia has changed its missile strike tactics and started launching missiles at low altitudes so that Ukrainian air defences cannot shoot them down

Russia has changed its missile strike tactics, especially after the occupiers hit several targets in Ukraine, including a children's hospital, to "maximise damage".

Here's What We Know

"Unfortunately, the enemy is constantly improving not only reconnaissance and strike UAVs, but also other means of air attack - cruise and ballistic missiles," former Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Colonel Yuriy Ihnat said on Facebook about Russia's latest cruise and ballistic missile attacks.

Ignat said that some of the Russian missiles were flying at incredibly low altitudes, and some at 50 metres, making them difficult to shoot down.

"People on the ground are sometimes squeezing the impossible out of the available weapons and equipment to shoot down as many Russian missiles and drones as possible," he explained, adding that Ukraine managed to shoot down 33 of the 44 Russian missiles launched.

In addition, Ihnat said that Russia has improved the capabilities of its missiles with new technologies, including radar and heat traps. They "deceive" air defences and hit the target.

Missiles that have managed to reach their targets, such as the Kh-101 cruise missile that hit the Okhmatdyt children's hospital in Kyiv, may have done so because of the new Russian tactics. Analysts at the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War suggest that the changes are likely aimed at "inflicting maximum damage on Ukrainian infrastructure, giving Ukrainian air defences little or no time to respond until the missile is close to the ground."

"Russia has consistently adapted the missiles it uses against Ukraine to take advantage of Ukraine's lack of air defences," ISW said, "and the 8 July strikes show a new adapted tactic.

As a reminder, Russians hit targets in several cities, including the Okhmatdyt children's hospital in Kyiv, on 8 July, killing at least 39 people.

Source: Business Insider