One of the constant features of the war in Ukraine to date has been a general environment of mutual air-denial. The VKS has been able to launch stand-off attacks using missiles, drones, and glide bombs (while Ukraine relies to a greater extent on drones and Storm Shadow/SCALP ALCMS) but neither side has been able to develop or sustain air superiority over the other's territory. But while that state has persisted for nearly two and half years at this point, that doesn't mean the situation is static. Ukraine's long range strike capabilities have improved, even as constant Russian attacks have driven major shortages in air defence missiles and systems in Ukraine. Partly in response to those supply challenges, we've seen various acts of creativity and innovation, from the use of FPVs as anti-air systems to the focus on a counter-air campaign. In this episode, we look at the recent Air Defence efforts in Ukraine, ask how Russia and Ukraine have approached the air defence problem, and what those observations might offer in terms of lines of inquiry for other nations. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PerunAU Reading and Sourcing (only partial due to late release, will be updated 13/08): FPV v ISR drone engagements https://mil.in.ua/en/news/ukrainian-fpv-drones-shot-down-two-reconnaissance-uavs/ Reporting on the use of ultralight aircraft to hunt drones https://www.twz.com/air/ultralight-drone-hunting-planes-now-in-use-in-ukraine RUSI - The Russian Air War and Ukrainian Requirements for Air Defence https://static.rusi.org/SR-Russian-Air-War-Ukraine-web-final.pdf Patriot TEL loss image (as others, taking from visually confirmed loss database) https://postlmg.cc/Th15s6RY Russia claiming Patriot TELs hit near Odesa https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/21297189 Ukraine receives first F-16 https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4ng1p72wlwo Ukrainian claims relating to Patriot TEL decoys https://kyivindependent.com/russia-hit-mock-ups-during-recent-attacks-on-airfield-patriot-launchers-ukraines-air-force-says/ Included article on the Yak-52 of Odesa https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/07/14/isnt-it-time-to-shoot-him-down-russians-grow-frustrated-with-ukraines-yak-52-drone-killer/ Caveats & Comments: All normal caveats and comments apply. In particular – I would like to note as always that this material has been created for entertainment purposes and is not intended to be a complete or comprehensive examination of the topic in question and should not be relied upon to inform financial or other similar decisions. Timestamps: 00:00:00 — Opening Words 00:01:11 — What Am I Talking About? 00:02:14 — Air Defences & The War Of Attrition 00:03:51 — Losses & Replacements 00:10:28 — Assessing Strain 00:12:53 — Ukrainian Usage 00:28:54 — Russia 00:50:54 — Converting Intelligence To Kills 00:59:17 — Conclusions 01:00:56 — Channel Update