(Dan Tri) – The Russian Air Force lost only 1/10 of its squadron while many of Moscow’s military capabilities were largely unaffected after more than two years of conflict in Ukraine.
Russian tanks in Donetsk (Photo: Reuters).
`We do not see significant losses in the air force, especially their (Russia’s) strategic and long-range fleets,` said Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, head of US European Command and Commander
`Russia’s strategic forces, long-range aviation, cyber capabilities, space capabilities and electronic warfare capabilities have not been lost. The air force has lost some aircraft, but only about 10
The US general’s statement seems to go against Ukraine’s assessment of Russia’s losses.
However, after more than 2 years of conflict, Russia also suffered a number of losses in both manpower and equipment.
Assistant Secretary of Defense in charge of international security affairs Celeste Wallander said that the military campaign in Ukraine cost Russia $211 billion to equip, deploy and maintain combat forces in Ukraine.
However, Russia has made efforts to rebuild its military and buy more drones and ballistic missiles from partner countries.
`Every few days, Russia conducts very large-scale attacks at the same rate as their production. They produce, accumulate and conduct large-scale attacks,` General Cavoli added.
According to the US general, in the short term, Russia has sought to gain an advantage in Ukraine in a war of attrition, although Russia’s ability to integrate air, land and sea capabilities also has limitations.
As US military aid to Ukraine remains stalled in the US Congress, Russia is using one-way attack drones and long-range missiles to overwhelm Ukraine’s air defense system.
`Russia’s artillery firing rate will be 10 times that of Ukraine’s in a few weeks. We are not exaggerating,` General Cavoli commented.
In the long term, Russia is working to develop its comprehensive capabilities.
General Cavoli told lawmakers that Russia is also planning to restructure its ground forces to be able to deploy new formations in Ukraine and deal with Finland.
`Russia is reestablishing its forces much faster than our initial estimates. The Russian army is now 15% larger than at the beginning of the conflict,` the US general added.
Mr. Cavoli said that although the Russian navy suffered significant losses in the Black Sea, the rest of Russia’s naval forces remained intact and Russia’s worldwide naval activity was at its highest level.
Ukraine has made some advances against the Russian air force, including shooting down at least two Russian A-50 command and control aircraft.
US-made F-16 fighters will bring greater capabilities to the Ukrainian air force, but Kiev will have to wait a few more months to receive them.