Air Force explains how it detects ballistic missiles without US data

On the night of 14 October, when Russia launched the first wave of ballistic missile strikes, Ukraine did not receive warnings from international partners. However, according to Yuriy Ignat, spokesperson for the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, information on the subsequent three waves of attacks was already being received.

Timeline of events and military response

The Air Force representative clarified that the statement indicating a lack of information from partners was published around 22:40. Meanwhile, during the subsequent waves of attacks, warnings about the use of Russian ballistic missiles were already reaching Ukrainian military units.

Reasons for the lack of data and domestic capabilities

Ukrainian specialists, together with international partners, are investigating why the first missile strike occurred without a warning. Yuriy Ignat noted that similar situations had arisen before.

At the same time, he emphasised that Ukraine has its own radar surveillance systems. These systems allow for the tracking of airspace and the detection of hostile targets. The particularity of ballistic missiles lies in their high flight speed, so the timely receipt of information about launches is of great importance for warning the population about the danger.

Status of intelligence exchange with the US

The issue of intelligence information exchange has attracted particular attention following several Russian ballistic attacks during which Ukraine did not receive advance warnings. Previously, President Volodymyr Zelensky had stated that there were no notifications from partners regarding certain launches of Russian missiles.

Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha assured that Ukraine continues to receive intelligence information from the United States. Thus, the Air Force does not claim that the transfer of data has completely ceased. It concerns the absence of warnings during specific waves of Russian attacks, the circumstances of which are still being established.