Russia's war in Ukraine has made its formidable air defenses an even tougher challenge for NATO, airpower analyst warns
Business Insider
February 14, 2026
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Russia's air defenses have evolved into an even greater challenge for NATO since the start of the war in Ukraine, according to a leading air power analyst. Justin Bronk of the Royal United Services Institute warns that Russia has not only maintained its large arsenal of surface-to-air missile systems but has also improved their capabilities through combat experience and upgrades. Systems are now more advanced, crews have gained valuable实战经验, and coordination with surveillance aircraft has enhanced their effectiveness. This makes Russian air defenses a growing threat to NATO's ability to achieve air superiority in Europe.
The war in Ukraine has shown how critical ground-based air defenses can be in modern warfare. Russia entered the conflict with the largest such arsenal in Europe, followed by Ukraine. Despite significant losses due to Ukraine's strikes using drones, artillery, and missiles, Russia still deploys hundreds of batteries, including newer, more advanced systems like the S-350 Vityaz. This scale, combined with improved tactics and better integration with early warning aircraft, poses a formidable challenge for NATO forces attempting to suppress or destroy these defenses.
For businesses and financial stakeholders, this dynamic highlights the growing focus on defense modernization in Europe. NATO has committed to expanding its own ground-based air defense capabilities, but the sheer volume and upgraded nature of Russia's systems make this a long-term challenge. While NATO has access to detailed data on Russian air defense strengths and weaknesses, the resources needed to counter them are still being developed and deployed at scale. This strategic shift underscores the importance of investing in advanced defense technologies and doctrines to maintain空中优势in any potential conflict.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/14/2026