[Defending Moscow's Skies, Russian Air Defense Systems Deployed on Rooftops]

Ukrainian long-range drones continue to attack Russian territory, with the capital Moscow experiencing heightened tension. Currently, Russia is taking measures to further strengthen the capital’s air defense network. According to the "Defense Blog" website, a recently leaked video shows the Russian military deploying the world’s largest mass-produced helicopter, the Mi-26, to externally hoist a set of "Kornet" series air defense systems onto the rooftop of a building in Moscow.

Although the exact time and location of the video's recording remain unclear, the footage aligns with the recent trend of Russian forces deploying air defense systems on rooftops across Moscow. Specifically, since Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow began in 2023, Russian forces have gradually established air defense positions atop numerous buildings throughout the capital, with some systems directly stationed on rooftops of government offices and commercial buildings. With the frequency of Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian territory reaching a peak this year—covering unprecedented distances—Russia has been compelled to further reinforce its capital’s air defenses.

The air defense system seen in the footage is the latest model in the "Kornet" series. It can carry up to 48 short-range intercept missiles, track as many as 40 targets simultaneously, and engage threats within a range of up to 20 kilometers. Its primary mission is to defend against low-altitude incoming threats such as drones and cruise missiles.

Open-source intelligence analysis indicates that at least four "Kornet" systems are already deployed on rooftops across Moscow, forming a crucial short-range air defense layer protecting the Kremlin and central city area. As the frequency of Ukrainian attacks increases, Moscow will further expand such rooftop air defense deployments.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1866971644306580/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.