Surface-to-air missiles are getting a workout in the Ukraine war — and not just shooting down enemy missiles and aircraft

Mon, 08/21/2023 - 17:40

Russian S-400 missile air defence systems parade through Red Square during the general rehearsal of the Victory Day military parade in central Moscow on May 7, 2022. — Surface-to-air missiles have terrorized the skies — and some unexpected land targets — of the Ukraine war.
KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images

Surface-to-air missiles have been critical defensive weapons in the war in Ukraine.
But reports show both Russia and Ukraine are also using SAMs to hit land targets.
Both sides have repurposed SAMs, like Russia's S-400s and Ukraine's S-200s, for these strikes.

Surface-to-air missiles have seen widespread use throughout Russia's war in Ukraine, striking down aircraft and protecting cities from vicious drone and missile attacks. Ukraine's mix of Soviet and Western air defenses keep the enemy air force at bay while Russia's formidable defenses threaten Ukrainian aviation, leaving control of the sky contested.