Ukrainian Drone Strike: A Potential Setback for Russia's Strategic Bomber Fleet
Russia encounters loss of approximately 10% of its strategic long-range bomber fleet.
In a striking turn of events, the Ukrainian intelligence service appears to have dealt a significant blow to Russia's strategic bomber fleet. Reports suggest that a recent drone strike on Russia's military airports may have damaged around ten percent of these vital aircraft.
Major General Christian Freuding, speaking in a YouTube podcast, estimates that more than a dozen Russian aircraft were likely affected, including TU-95, TU-22, and A-50 models. The Ukrainian intelligence service had initially reported 41 damaged or destroyed Russian combat and reconnaissance aircraft.
However, Freuding suggests that the A-50, similar to NATO's AWACS aircraft for air situation recognition, were probably not operational when hit. This is a noteworthy loss, as these aircraft were already in short supply before the attack.
Experts believe it may take years for Russia to replace the damaged or destroyed aircraft. This assertion is based on the complexity of the strategic bombers, the production capacity of Russia's aircraft manufacturers, and the potential economic and political hurdles.
Despite the losses, the attack is unlikely to lead to an immediate reduction in Russian attacks on Ukraine. With 90 percent of its strategic bomber fleet still intact, Russia can continue to launch ballistic and cruise missiles. However, the remaining aircraft will have to undertake more missions, which could potentially lead to quicker wear and tear. Additionally, the Ukrainian attack has had a profound psychological impact, altering Russia's sense of security in its vast territory.
The Ukrainian drone strike is believed to have targeted two airports roughly 100 kilometers from Moscow, as well as the Olenya airport in the Murmansk region and the Belaya airport. The attack involved drones armed with artificial intelligence, with one failed attempt on the Ukrainka airport near the Chinese border.
In the realm of politics and industry, it's evident that Russia's capacity to replace the destroyed bombers is limited. Sanctions, economic pressures, and the complexity of the aircraft production process could significantly slow down the replacement timeline.
Sources: ntv.de, als/rts
- Attack on Ukraine
- Ukraine
- Russia
- Drones
The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation during the repair and production of Russia's strategic bombers, considering the potential increase in demand after the recent drone attack on Russia's military airports.
Meanwhile, reports of the ongoing Ukrainian-Russian conflict and the drone strike have dominated general news, while sports and war-and-conflicts sections have been intensified, given the strategic implications of this event on the regional politics.
