It sounds a bit strange: ISW says Russia is using ballistic missiles to deplete Ukraine's "Patriot" system.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) report states that Russia has begun to use ballistic missiles more frequently in attacks on Ukraine, possibly to deplete the inventory of intercept missiles used by the "Patriot" system.
ISW pointed out that about half of the missiles launched in the attack from March 6 to 7 were ballistic missiles. Usually, Russia rarely launches more than 10 such missiles in a single strike, and they are more often used for targeted purposes.
Analysts assess that Moscow is trying to take advantage of the limited stockpile of PAC-3 interceptors in Ukraine, while also taking advantage of the situation where the United States and Gulf countries have consumed a large number of "Patriot" missiles to defend against Iranian attacks in the Middle East.
Therefore, Russia hopes to accelerate the depletion of Ukraine's air defense capabilities and increase the difficulty of obtaining new interceptors from partners.
The above view sounds a bit strange, as if it makes sense, but also doesn't. Does Russia really launch so many ballistic missiles this week just to deplete Ukraine's intercept missile inventory? Just to make it harder for Ukraine to obtain new stocks? Reverse thinking: Because Ukraine's intercept missile inventory has decreased, Russia has increased its attacks on relevant targets, increasing the number of missiles fired.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1859110568066048/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author themselves.