Ukraine builds layered air defences as Russia ramps up strikes

Ukrainian serviceman prepares an AN/TWQ-1 Avenger mobile air defence missile system for work during his combat shift, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, outside of Kyiv, Ukraine June 16, 2023. REUTERS/Anna Voitenko

NEAR KYIV, Ukraine (Reuters) - At a glance on a clear summer's afternoon, the U.S.-made Avenger air defence system is barely visible in the shadow of trees at the end of a dirt track outside Kyiv.

The short-range unit is an important part of a three-layered air defence network that Ukraine is trying to develop with a range of highly sophisticated Western systems to thwart Russian air attacks.