Work has begun on installing new air defence systems on the Moscow Ring Road
Air defence systems have begun to be installed on the Moscow Ring Road near the ‘Mega’ shopping centre. Footage from the scene was published by the Supernova+ Telegram channel, though no further details were provided.
The deployment of new air defence systems comes against the backdrop of intensified attacks by Ukrainian drones on Russian regions, particularly Moscow. During these attacks, Domodedovo, Vnukovo and Sheremetyevo airports are operating with restrictions.
The previous record for the number of drones, which, according to the Russian authorities, were flying towards Moscow, was set on the night of 18 June. At that time, 194 drones were reported to have been shot down. According to Reuters sources, following that attack, the Moscow oil refinery in Kapotnya suspended operations until 2027. The ‘Sadovod’ and ‘Belaya Dacha’ shopping centres were also damaged.
In June, OSINT analyst Mark Krutov reported that in Moskvoretsky Park in the Kuntsevo district, an area measuring 290 by 150 metres had been cleared, which, he speculated, could be used to house an S-400 air defence missile system. OSINT researcher Jembob noted that this site is situated at one of the highest points in the western part of Moscow within the Moscow Ring Road (MKAD), making it suitable for the deployment of such systems.
According to Bild, a large-scale reinforcement of the air defence system around Moscow has been underway since 2025. At that time, more than 40 towers equipped with ‘Pantsir S1’ anti-aircraft missile and gun systems were installed around the city. Their positions are situated along the Moscow Ring Road, in particular near Domodedovo and Zhukovsky airports.
The day before, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the decisive phase of the war would be fought in the air, and that the psychological impact of massive drone attacks on Moscow, combined with economic difficulties in Russia, could eventually weaken Vladimir Putin’s resolve to continue the war. “When not a hundred but a thousand drones are flying towards Moscow, he will understand,” said Zelenskyy.
