IRIS-T - Combat Operation in Ukraine

Lt. Col. Kyrylo Peretiatko, commander of an air defense missile unit, has demonstrated exceptional skill and leadership in the defense of Ukrainian airspace. Under his command, the unit has executed 145 missile launches, successfully neutralizing 139 air threats, including Kh-101, Kh-55, Kh-555, and Kalibr cruise missiles, as well as various strike drones.

One of the most intense and successful engagements led by Lt. Col. Peretiatko occurred in the summer of 2023 within the operational area of the Air Command "West." During this engagement, Russian forces launched a massive missile and airstrike, targeting a critical asset with a coordinated attack involving 12 Kalibr sea-launched cruise missiles. Peretiatko's unit intercepted and destroyed nine of these missiles, with an additional missile downed by a mobile fire team.

Following the missile strike, the enemy deployed 12 Shahed-131/136 attack drones, attempting to strike the same target from multiple directions. The unit effectively neutralized 10 of these drones, while mobile fire teams took down the remaining two. In conjunction with the drones, four additional Kalibr missiles were launched, all of which were successfully intercepted by the unit.

The engagement intensified when Russian strategic bombers launched a second wave of cruise missiles. Despite the ongoing battle, Lt. Col. Peretiatko’s unit managed to reload their launchers and down an additional 12 air-launched cruise missiles. This concluded one of the most challenging air battles the unit had faced.

For his personal courage and heroism in defending Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as his dedicated service to the Ukrainian people, Lt. Col. Kyrylo Peretiatko was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine with the Order of the "Golden Star" by the President of Ukraine.

Reflecting on the exhausting nature of these operations, Lt. Col. Peretiatko remarked on the constant uncertainty and readiness required for air defense missions. His unit frequently relocates and conducts rapid marches over hundreds of kilometers to protect critical assets across all regions of Ukraine. Despite the physical and emotional toll, the unit remains resolute in their mission to defend Ukraine's skies and ultimately achieve victory.

Lt. Col. Peretiatko also expressed a personal goal on the battlefield: to down an enemy aircraft. He believes that his unit deserves to see the helmet of a defeated Russian pilot on the ground, as a symbol of justice for the atrocities committed by these "vultures."