President Zelenskyy has confirmed the delivery of an unspecified number of American NASAMS; an announcement likely made to allay fears of Russian strikes using Iranian drones.
The attacks by Iranian kamikaze drones have reportedly brought heavy losses to Ukrainian troops, particularly in Kherson. Air defenses will help shield Ukrainian cities and troops as Russia launches increasingly risky air operations with their already bloodied air force. It will also help Ukraine mitigate the threat of helicopters, which Russia has seen fit to use in costly aerial operations that have mostly ended in failure.
Many of Russia’s planes operating out of Crimea have faced heavy losses following strikes in August and have been relocated to airfields deeper in Russia. Along with NASAMS, Russia will likely be forced to use missiles and drones to avoid losing more aircraft over increasingly dangerous airspace.
World Affairs International 