Ukraine Bolsters Air Defences Amid Russian Strikes.
Ukraine is building a three-layered air defense network with a range of sophisticated Western systems to counter Russian air attacks. Russia has increased strikes in May, aimed at depleting air defense stocks so that fewer systems can be used to protect troops. The Avenger air defense system, supplied by the US, is an important part of the short-range end of the three-layered system. Ukraine is also pressing Australia to supply four-wheel-drive Hawkei vehicles that can be mounted with air defenses. In May alone, the Air Force reported shooting down 149 cruise missiles, 399 drones, seven hypersonic Kinzhal missiles, three ballistic missiles, and 11 Iskander missiles of two different types.
