2024-07-06 01:46:02
It’s not really understandable, but both warring parties repeatedly parked their valuable combat aircraft unprotected in the air. Ukraine has already destroyed two Mikoyan MiG-31s and even damaged at least one Sukhoi Su-57. On Monday, Russia attacked the Ukrainian Mirgorod air base in Poltava Oblast. After reconnaissance with the help of a drone, the armed forces probably launched an Iskander missile equipped with cluster munitions. A video published on social networks shows the simultaneous impacts.
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Losses that can be avoided?
As always, the information provided by the two sides regarding the losses incurred is not the same. According to the Russian side, six Su-27 Flankers were put out of action, two of which were completely destroyed. The Ukrainian military admits damage, but the amount is much less than what the enemy said. In addition, they could be set aside aircraft. No matter how many operational jets are affected, each loss is serious. Especially if it could be avoided. The attack was not the first of its kind In the past nine months, Ukraine has also lost MiG-29s and Su-25s in this way.
© Ministry of Defence
Aircraft painted to protect against drone attacks
Russian attack helicopter blows camouflage
A reconnaissance drone remains unscathed
As such, the decision to park the wings outside has drawn a lot of criticism. Especially since Ukrainian pilots otherwise try to make their processes as unpredictable as possible. There are approximately 20 airfields available. According to the US general, the jets almost always land somewhere different from where they took off. Another point is currently causing dissatisfaction: the enemy’s reconnaissance drone was able to circle the airfield and the surrounding area undisturbed for about three hours – although it was detected beforehand.
© Russian Air Force (Artyom Anikeev)
Did they wear Kinschal?
Russia loses its first MiG-31 in the war in Ukraine
F-16 in the crosshairs
This also raises the question of how Ukraine plans to protect its own fighter aircraft in the future. The first F-16 Fighting Falcons are expected to arrive this summer. On July 1, the Dutch government issued the export permit to sell the 24 machines. Russia will then do everything it can to render the US jets harmless.
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