Can Ukrainian Air Defenses Hold off Russian Attacks?

By Kris Osborn – President & Editor-In-Chief, Warrior Maven

Intv. with Ret. Lt. Gen. David Deptula

Hello and welcome to Warrior Maven, the Center for Military Modernization. I’m Kris Osborn, very significant guest today and amazing American, the Commander of the Gulf War air campaign as well as Operation Enduring Freedom, retired Lieutenant Colonel David Deptula. He is a former F-15 pilot as well and currently serves as the Dean of the very prestigious Mitchell Institute for Aerospace studies. Sir, it’s a pleasure to have you thank you for your expertise.

Ukrainian Air Defenses

Kris Osborn

Well, certainly one has to think that perhaps the Ukrainian air defenses are performing quite well. A quick look at their arsenal will will show you that most of their stuff is 1980s, Soviet era stuff from 1986. Yet the Pentagon and others are saying without specifics, they are getting air defenses. You have to think, sir, that they’re working? 

Ret. Lt. Gen. David Deptula

Well, I think the resolve of Ukraine has surprised virtually everyone but especially Vladimir Putin, and their air defenses are working, which once again reiterates the importance of being able to resupply them as time goes on. Neither side has air superiority, and so is contested airspace. But one of the ways to enhance the probability that Ukraine can survive the assault of Putin’s military is by ensuring they have sufficient forces to sustain their both their air defenses from the ground, as well as their air force from the air. 

Kris Osborn