Critical review of the protection of aircraft defense forces during the conflict in Nagorno Karabah in 2020

Abstract

ABSTRACT The conflict between the armed forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the armed forces of Nagorno Karabakh in the Nagorno Karabakh region analyzed in this paper covers the period from 26 September 2020 to 11 October 2020. The Armed Forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan conducted an offensive operation with the maximum use of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in order to achieve success in the initial phase of the operation by targeting land forces in prepared defensive positions, air-defence systems, and command posts. Effects of the actions of UAV shown on footage published by Azerbaijan Armed forces indicate that the Nagorno Karabakh armed forces failed to anticipate and to provide protection of the land forces against mass use of UAV, primarily the air defense systems. This paper analyzes the physical and military dimension of the conflict with focus on the shortcomings in the protection of the air defense systems from mass use of UAV. Based on the analysis, the paper presents recommendations for improving the protection of the air defense systems against UAV on tactical level.