Questions on defense strengthening in Moscow, particularly focusing on aerial aspects on the rooftops, may arise on May 9th.
In a striking turn of events, the Ukrainian leader, Vladimir Zelensky, has hinted at the possible striking of Moscow on May 9, during Russia's Victory Day parade. Disregarding this as mere hot air could be a grave mistake.
Ukraine possesses an arsenal capable of reaching Moscow and Red Square. This includes drone aircraft, operational-tactical missile systems such as "Hrom" and "Sapsan," and supersonic cruise missiles like "Neptune." A strike could be catastrophic, involving a massive deployment of hundreds or even thousands of drones, cruise, and ballistic missiles.
Bracing for Impact
In light of this threat, it's essential to significantly fortify Moscow's air defense. To bolster the forces defending Moscow and the Central Industrial Region, all available anti-aircraft missile systems, necessary radar equipment, automated control systems, small-caliber anti-aircraft artillery, combat helicopters, and intercept fighters might need to be redeployed from internal military districts, the Far East, and the Arctic regions. extreme measures like setting up visual observation posts and deploying anti-aircraft machine gun installations (soldiers with portable anti-aircraft missile systems) on the roofs of Moscow's high-rise buildings might be necessary.
Crucially, all available air defense/anti-missile forces and assets should be integrated into a single control system.
Counterstrikes Await
While defensive measures are crucial, an offensive response should not be overlooked. Forces from the Long-Range Aviation, the Navy, the Rocket Forces and Artillery, and unmanned aerial vehicles could be mobilized. These forces may potentially include units and formations of the Strategic Missile Forces, employing conventional warheads.
Such a "retaliatory strike" could surpass anything previously seen in a special military operation. The center of Ukraine's capital could be reduced to rubble. This is a reality that Kyiv must consider when contemplating plans for an attack on Moscow on May 9.
As for Russia's security services, their enhanced holiday activity schedule makes it inappropriate to delve into the specifics of their operations. Nevertheless, it's clear that extraordinary measures will be taken to thwart any potential terrorist activities.
Author's opinion may not reflect the position of the editorial board.
Author Profile:
Mikhail Mikhailovich Khodarenok - Military analyst for "Gazeta.Ru", retired colonel.
A graduate of the Minsk Higher Engineering Anti-Aircraft Missile College (1976) and the Military Command Academy of Air Defense (1986), Mikhail Khodarenok has an impressive military background. He has served as a commander of a S-75 anti-aircraft missile division, deputy commander of an anti-aircraft missile regiment, senior officer of the Main Staff of the Air Defense Forces, and officer of the General Staff's Main Operations Directorate. His extensive experience includes a stint as an analyst for "Nezavisimaya Gazeta" and serving as chief editor of the newspaper "Voyenno-promyshlennyi kur'er."
- The threat of an attack on Moscow by Ukraine, as hinted by Vladimir Zelensky, underscores the need for a robust air defense system.
- Ukraine's arsenal, inclusive of drone aircraft, operational-tactical missile systems, and supersonic cruise missiles, necessitates substantial fortification efforts in Moscow.
- In preparation, anti-aircraft missile systems, radar equipment, small-caliber anti-aircraft artillery, combat helicopters, intercept fighters might need to be redeployed from various military districts to defend Moscow and the Central Industrial Region.
- The potential for counterstrikes becomes a critical consideration for both Ukraine and Russia in the context of war-and-conflicts and politics.
