Putin panics and builds new air defense towers – ISW

Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) report that over the past two months, about 24 new towers for Pantsir air defense systems have been built around Moscow, and S-400 systems have been deployed near Vnukovo Airport and Putin's residence. Meanwhile, the Kremlin is forcing mobilized soldiers to sign contracts and increasing the army's size to 2.4 million people.

Analysts from the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) in a recent report state that Vladimir Putin is urgently strengthening the air defense system in the Moscow area. Over the past two months, about 24 new towers have been built around the capital to house Pantsir air defense systems. Additional S-400 systems have been deployed near the Moscow Oil Refinery, Vnukovo Airport, and the presidential residence. This indicates the Kremlin's growing concern over the effectiveness of long-range strikes. Simultaneously, the Russian military leadership is encouraging and forcing mobilized soldiers to switch to contract service to avoid demobilizing those conscripted in 2022. A decree has been signed setting the official army strength at 2,426,130 personnel, of which 1,535,000 are military personnel. The increase of 27,000 people is linked to the formation of new military construction units. ISW notes that Russia has been expanding its staff annually since the start of the invasion, although the current expansion is more restrained.