Ukraine Expands Shield with French Crotale NG Air Defense
Ukraine has received additional Crotale NG air-defense batteries from France and partners to bolster its shield against Shahed drones and cruise missiles. The mobile system uses radar and electro-optical tracking to detect up to 30 targets, track 12, and fire four at once, with VT-1 missiles covering about 8 km in roughly 10 seconds and reaching up to 6 km altitude. Deployed near front lines and critical infrastructure, Crotale NG provides a near-range defense where Patriot/NASAMS are less effective, and it remains relevant as Russia expands Shahed launches. Exact numbers of the latest delivery were not disclosed.