Russia is actively improving its ballistic missiles to make the task of Ukrainian air defense more challenging. 

This was stated by Yuriy Ihnat, head of the communications department of the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, during a telethon.

Modernization of Russian Missiles

Post-modernization, these missiles can deploy radar traps that hinder the effectiveness of Patriot systems.

«We have information, as do our partners, that the enemy has upgraded the missiles attacking on a ballistic trajectory, specifically Iskander-M. They can release radar traps during their approach to the target», the spokesperson explained. 

This results in the air defense systems operating «less effectively».

«The flight of a ballistic missile along such a quasi-ballistic trajectory complicates the task for Patriot systems, as the missile does not travel in a straight line but maneuvers. This makes it harder to predict interception points», Ihnat added.