High-precision weapons on the first day of the Special Operation
Launch of Caliber missiles during one of the past operations
The special military operation of the Russian armed forces to protect the republics of Donbass began with a massive missile attack on key enemy military infrastructure. This strike once again showed that our army has modern high-precision weapons, and also confirmed the potential of such products of all classes and types. Such conclusions can be drawn from the results of the first day of the operation.
Interim results
The first reports of the massive use of high-precision weapons on Ukrainian targets arrived on the morning of February 24, almost immediately after the start of the operation. News of this kind came from almost the entire territory of Ukraine. Soon, the Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the fact of the strikes, and also revealed some features of the existing plans and ongoing activities.
The official representative of the Ministry of Defense, General Igor Konashenkov, confirmed during briefings that the Russian army is using high-precision weapons. The targets for it were military infrastructure facilities, air defense, military airfields and the Ukrainian aviation etc. In this case, only military facilities are attacked; attacks on cities are not carried out.
Later, quantitative indicators of combat work were disclosed. So, by Thursday evening, more than 70 ground objects of various kinds were put out of action. At the first briefing on Friday, General Konashenkov said that the number of hit military facilities had reached 118. Among them, 11 military airfields, 13 communication centers and command posts, 14 anti-aircraft systems and 36 radar stations.
Start "Iskander" on exercises
Thus, already on the first day of the Special Operation, the armed forces of Ukraine suffered critical damage. The leading role in such actions was played by modern high-precision strike systems of various classes. It was with their help that a real disarming strike was carried out, turning the already not very strong Ukrainian army into disparate groups with dubious prospects.
Chief "Caliber"
As follows from the available data, the bulk of the destroyed objects fell on Caliber cruise missiles. Such weapons have previously been repeatedly used in exercises and in real operations. It is important that this time it was used against the enemy, the existing means of illuminating the air situation and air defense. However, as it turned out, this did not prevent us from getting the desired results.
According to various sources, at least several dozen cruise missiles were used. Apparently, a massive strike was provided by the ships of the naval fleetconcentrated in the Black Sea. From the corresponding water areas, the missiles flew to the designated targets - bases, airfields, etc. – and successfully hit them.
In general, the known facts about the use once again confirm the high potential of the Caliber. The range of such weapons ensured the destruction of targets on almost the entire territory of Ukraine, incl. with the possibility of constructing the optimal route. Low-altitude flight made it possible to break through the existing air defense, and perfect guidance means ensured the destruction of only designated targets.
On a ballistic trajectory
According to foreign data and estimates, missile units of the ground forces actively participated in the strikes of the first day. Their task was to defeat stationary enemy targets with ballistic missiles of the Iskander-M complexes. A certain number of such OTRKs are in permanent service on the western borders of the country, and they could well be used in the current operation.
Warehouses near Odessa. An incoming cruise missile is visible above the structure on the left.
Like Caliber, the Iskander-M OTRK has a high technical and combat potential. Depending on the missile used, quasi-ballistic or cruise, such a complex is capable of hitting targets at ranges up to 500 km. At the same time, a breakthrough of air defense and missile defense is provided, and high accuracy of hitting targets is also achieved.
If the Iskander missiles were used in the current operation, they obviously managed to overcome the air defense without difficulty and hit the intended targets. At the same time, they supplemented the ship's missile systems and gave greater flexibility in planning and implementing a disarming strike.
Ukrainian sources mention the use of the Tochka-U OTRK by the Russian army. However, such information has not received adequate confirmation, and the published "evidence" is at least questionable. At the same time, it is known that in recent days, “Points” have been used by Ukraine against the republics of Donbass.
Air-to-surface
Front-line army aviation participates in delivering strikes against the enemy. In particular, it is known about the involvement of Su-25 attack aircraft, as well as Mi-24 and Ka-52 helicopters. It is possible that other types of equipment are also involved in the operation. Available photo and video materials show that aircraft and helicopters use a wide range of ammunition, allowing the most flexibility in combat missions. At the same time, aviation operates in fairly good conditions. The main enemy air defense systems have already been knocked out, and the remaining systems, incl. MANPADS and small arms and cannon weapons pose only a limited danger.
Attack on objects in the area of Ivano-Frankivsk. Against the background of a cloud of smoke you can see the product "Caliber"
Outside populated areas, attack aircraft and helicopters use unguided rockets; airborne artillery is also used. Reliable information about the use of guided aircraft weapons has not yet been received, and the available materials need to be verified - and may not pass it.
So, on February 24, Ukrainian sources reported the fall of large fragments on the territory of Kyiv, similar to fragments of the Kh-31 rocket. Whether this product is related to our Aerospace Forces, whether it was used in strikes against military targets, and under what circumstances it got into the city, is unknown. It is alleged that the rocket fell itself or was shot down. However, an attempt at provocation cannot be ruled out.
Complex of reasons
Based on the results of the first day of the special military operation, one can draw conclusions about the use of modern high-precision weapons, their potential, etc. First of all, it should be noted that the first massive disarming strike using various missiles completely coped with the tasks set. Literally within a few hours, dozens of important military facilities went out of order, which hit the capabilities of the Ukrainian army.
Such results are primarily due to the high tactical, technical and combat qualities of Russian weapons. "Caliber", "Iskander" and other systems have been created in recent years and decades, taking into account the current challenges and characteristics of modern conflicts. As a result, domestic cruise missiles were able to pass through the existing multi-component air defense, and quasi-ballistic products were fundamentally invulnerable to it.
The missile hit the target and raised a new cloud of dust and smoke.
The success of the missile strike was also associated with the operation of other systems and samples. Radio engineering and other reconnaissance opened enemy targets and determined their coordinates for a subsequent attack. In addition, electronic warfare systems were operating directly during launches against Ukrainian air defense. Such an integrated approach is used not only in the preparation of missile strikes - and its results can be seen in current reports.
It should be noted that the state of Ukrainian air defense made a significant contribution to the success of the first strikes. In service with Ukraine there were only fairly old complexes and systems. They were quickly suppressed and driven out, as a result of which the opportunity opened up for the practically free use of weapons and aviation. Only individual complexes remain in service, which can no longer influence the situation.
First day
Thus, the Russian army has once again shown the high potential of its strike missile systems of all major classes. Attacks on enemy targets were carried out from the sea, land and air - and solved the tasks. A significant part of the facilities of the Ukrainian army was destroyed, which reduced its overall potential and helped the further conduct of our ground operation.
Apparently, the Iskanders and Calibers have already fully completed their task within the framework of the current Special Military Operation, and new massive strikes with their use can no longer be expected. The following goals of the operation will be achieved by other military means, also modern and no less effective.
Information