In the face of ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine, protecting Ukrainian airspace is becoming increasingly critical. Recent news from Forbes highlights a concerning situation around the Russian airbase Malyshevo, located near Voronezh. Dozens of Russia’s most dangerous aircraft, conducting daily combat sorties, are based here and pose a significant threat to Ukraine.
Su-34: An Airborne Threat
Malyshevo is a key airbase for the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS). It houses more than half of Russia’s fleet of supersonic Su-34 bombers, which are heavily used in the war against Ukraine. These aircraft are equipped with advanced targeting systems and can carry powerful munitions, making them extremely dangerous.
Why Can’t the Ukrainian Armed Forces Destroy This Threat?
Despite having powerful combat capabilities, the Ukrainian Armed Forces face challenges in destroying these Russian aircraft at their bases. The primary reason is restrictions imposed by the United States. According to Forbes, the White House currently prohibits Ukraine from using American missiles to strike Russian airbases. Instead, Ukraine is advised to shoot down the planes in the air, which is a much more difficult task.
Risks for Ukraine
Ukrainian military attempts to set up ambushes to shoot down Russian planes in the air have already led to losses. Forbes reports that Kyiv lost two launchers while trying to implement such tactics. This underscores the high risk and complexity of conducting these operations.
What’s Next?
The situation on the front lines remains tense, and protecting Ukraine’s airspace requires urgent solutions. New strategies and methods must be sought to effectively counter Russian aviation, which poses a significant threat to both civilian and military targets.