Clashes in Nagorno-Karabakh show need for close-range anti-aircraft systems

Since the start of the clashes on Sunday, September 27, the two protagonists Azeris and Armenians of the conflict in Nagorno Karabakh compete in media presence, each going for its own spectacular military results supported by videos showing the effectiveness of the destruction systems implemented. But if a lesson should already be drawn from these clashes that can be described as medium to high intensity, given the heavy resources involved on both sides, it is the omnipresence of strikes based on drones or stray munitions, highlighting the absolute need for short-range anti-aircraft systems capable of neutralizing these threats, and this over the entire deployment perimeter of the forces.

It is above all the Azeri forces which, in this field, show remarkable efficiency, as they have published a large number of videos showing the destruction of tanks, armored vehicles, anti-aircraft systems and other bunkers. It is true that these systems have the “advantage” of providing video feedback conducive to this type of image. They have, in fact, in their inventory, several drone systems capable of directing artillery fire or carrying light ammunition, and supports the Turkish armed forces and their TB2 drones, But also wandering ammunition, in particular the Harop of the Israeli IAI, which it seems it made a great number of victims among the Armenian forces.

Several lessons can be drawn from these multiple reports and videos broadcast during these clashes. In the first place, it seems that the drones and vagrant ammunition enjoy a certain impunity to evolve above the line of engagement, and even in the depth of the adversary's device. Yet the Armenian forces have many modern anti-aircraft systems, such as the Tor M2 acquired from Moscow, but only much older systems, such as the SA-8 OSA, have been deployed in Nagorno-Karabakh province. Now, obviously, these systems are struggling to engage drones and Harops, given the many videos showing the destruction of Armenian OSA systems by Azeri drone strikes.

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