The United States is sending the MANPADS to Ukraine for securing their airspace. Read to know more about this technology and how it is helping Ukraine.
The US sends military aid to Ukraine
The west is supporting Ukraine by supplying military aid in the form of arms, anti-tank and anti-aircraft defense systems. Following Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s speech asking the US Congress for their support, President Biden is sending additional military assistance. In addition to other drones and weapons, the US is providing 2,000 Javelin anti-armor systems and 800 Stringers or MANPADS.
On the ground, the Javelins are becoming a symbol of the fight against Russia. Saint javelin, a female saint cradling a Javeline missile has been going viral on social media as Russian tanks are suffering losses. They allow the user to hit a tank from the top, its least vulnerable point. So far, Ukraine is claiming to have taken down 444 Russian tanks.
What is MANPADS? How are they helping?
MANPADS is a type of man-portable air defense system. They are “short-range surface-to-air missiles used to intercept fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft in flight”. Made for firing while mounted on a tripod or someone’s shoulders, these stringers have an infrared seeker. With its radiation emissions, it can help in detecting the target, shooting down drones and aircraft. Russia has a similar missile known as the Igla-S. Unlike the Javelins used for destroying tanks and armor, MANPADS are deployed for defending the air. However, they are both equipped with IR sensors, allowing them to make adjustments mid-use and find the target.
“These MANPADS are very useful because they make Russian airstrikes less effective. If you deploy them in large numbers, you certainly won’t shoot down every Russian jet and helicopter, but Russia would have to pay a steep price for an attack,” stated Mykola Bielieskov. She is from the National Institute for Strategic Studies in Kyiv. However, President Zelenskyy does not think they are enough for defending the nation. As the peace talks and discussion are not going in a positive direction, he is calling upon the US and the allies for initiating a no-fly zone on Ukraine. He also asked for an alternative option that involves needing more aircraft for defense.