Russia’s air force has been struggling in Ukraine as combat losses mount. A high number of pilots have been killed in the last few months, and Russia is resorting to unconventional strategies to cope with the rising number of pilot casualties
The Russian Air Force is having countless troubles
The Russian Air Force’s difficulties in Ukraine come as no surprise to military experts. It has been beset by several problems, including a lack of funding, outdated equipment, high casualties, tough resistance, and poor morale.
For instance, when supporting ground troops, Russians are relying on the Su-25, a notoriously difficult aircraft to fly, and it was not designed for the type of combat being waged in Ukraine.
Actually, many of the Russian Air Force’s aircraft are outdated, and they are not well suited for fighting in Ukraine – and modern aircraft like the Su-57 are just prototypes that they use sparingly.
In addition, Russia is also facing a shortage of pilots due to low morale issues and casualties. Consequently, the Russian Air Force has been forced to rely on inexperienced pilots, and many of them have not received adequate training.
The Russian Air Force’s struggles in Ukraine
The Russian Air Force’s struggles in Ukraine are a sign of the larger problems the Russian military faces.
According to some reports, the Russian government has been forced to deploy retired pilots to operate warplanes. While these pilots are experienced and capable, they are also significantly older than the average pilot.
Moreover, their lack of familiarity with newer aircraft models is a big issue (although Russia isn’t deploying many modern aircraft anyway).
Also, the Wagner group, a Russian private military company that has been fighting worldwide, began conducting close air support missions as they are one of the most dangerous operations in Russia’s air force today.
Monument honoring the Russian military contractor Wagner Group in the Central African Republic pic.twitter.com/V4tacXg6OR
— Hyperboloid Maker (@SrbskyZ84) July 1, 2022
Wagner’s involvement in the conflict has allowed the Russian military to increase its capabilities and make significant gains.
However, Wagner’s activities have also raised concerns about the potential for further escalation of the conflict with the use of private corporations for fighting.
The Russian Air Force has a risk-averse style in the war
SU 57 in action pic.twitter.com/bB4bCDJu4s
— DossierUkraine (@UkraineDossier) July 5, 2022
The Russian air force has been operating in a risk-averse style. This is likely because the Russian military is not yet ready to take on full-fledged air combat.
Lately, the Russian air force’s primary goals are to support ground troops and to protect Russian airspace. In fact, Russian pilots have been reluctant to venture too far from home.
Another Russian aircraft may have been shot down over Izyum, Kharkiv Oblast. https://t.co/38jZ1LZAPL pic.twitter.com/8XlmJNveqe
— Rob Lee (@RALee85) March 13, 2022
They probably fear losing another aircraft, and they avoid flying over Ukrainian territory. This, in turn, makes it more difficult for Russia to supply its forces in the conflict zone.
Russian aircraft shot down by Ukraine pic.twitter.com/09wSBBCkXA
— Adam Parkhomenko (@AdamParkhomenko) February 25, 2022
However, this cautious approach may change in the future as the Russian military continues to defeat Ukrainian troops in the Donbas region. For now, though, it seems content to play it safe.
The Russian Air Force has been struggling to maintain a strong presence in the skies
In any case, if Russia moves to strike Ukraine with all its air strength, not even the US support could stop the full force of Russia because Russia’s air force outmatches Ukraine in every respect.
Featured image credit: Su-25, Russia Air Force by airliners.net/photo/Russia. Licensed under CC by 3.0
