Ukrainian sergeant reports critical shortage of target-finding gear

A Ukrainian air‑defence sergeant says missiles aren’t his most challenging shortage. It’s the gear that finds enemy targets. Sergei Kovalenko, a 23‑year‑old sergeant in the 37th Air Defence Brigade, told a local news outlet on Thursday that while his team has enough MANPADS missiles, they struggle to keep the launchers powered and to locate Russian aircraft and drones in real time.

The problem is part of a larger shift in the war. Since the Russian invasion in 2022, Ukraine has relied heavily on portable surface‑to‑air missiles to counter a flood of low‑cost drones, cruise missiles and occasional jets. These weapons are cheap and can be fired from the ground, but they need reliable power supplies and target‑finding equipment to be effective. In the last six months, the Ukrainian military has shot down more than 1,200 drones and several aircraft, but many of those successes have come from lucky shots or from units that have managed to keep their batteries charged.

Kovalenko’s unit runs out of batteries in less than a day when operating in the dark. “We can’t keep the launchers ready for hours,” he said. He added that the infrared seekers on the missiles need a steady power source and a clear line of sight. “If we lose the battery, the missile is useless even if we have one in the launcher.” The Ukrainian defence ministry has reported that only 15% of the 10,000 MANPADS in service are fully operational due to power shortages. International donors are providing spare batteries and portable solar panels, but the supply chain is still thin. The ministry’s spokesperson said that new target‑acquisition systems are under development, but they will take time to field.

What comes next is a push for better logistics and technology. Kiev is negotiating with allies for more advanced radar and thermal‑imaging kits that can be mounted on trucks and helicopters. The Ministry of Defence has also announced a training program to teach soldiers how to operate these systems in the field. If Ukraine can keep its launchers powered and its operators trained, the country may be able to maintain a credible deterrent against Russian air power while continuing to defend its skies from drones and jets.