I don't remember them being build in numbers and in active service. Did they have time to give formation for them ???
The War in the Ukraine
- Thread starter SampanViking
- Start date
It got delayed in 2019 to be redesigned and was supposed to enter service in 2021 but the news about it died down and kind of got overshadowed by news of the T-14 and the issues of the Kurganets
Rybar: On the activity of the NATO Air Force intelligence in the Black Sea and new strikes on Russian facilities
Quite an interesting activity is observed in the Black Sea zone against the background of Ukrainian drone raids on various objects on Russian territory — several US Air Force and NATO joint Air Force aircraft operated simultaneously in the central part of the Black Sea.
Which planes were spotted on February 28?
–American drone RQ-4B
–British RC-135 accompanied by two Typhoon tactical aircraft
–French long-range radar control aircraft (AWACS) E-3F
–Italian AWACS aircraft G-550
Why is this important?
All the above-mentioned aircraft regularly fly to the Black Sea area. However, before that, they did not work simultaneously in the same area south of the Crimea (except for the G-550, which was located in eastern Romania).
And escorting the RC-135 with a pair of Typhoons all the way to the central part of the Black Sea is a rare event in itself, and may be associated with practicing cover for the strategic aircraft from hypothetical enemy strikes — in this case, the aviation of the Russian Air Force.
Moreover, we note a curious pattern with the French E-3F: after each one of its appearances in the Black Sea zone, Ukrainian UAVs raided Crimea.
What should I expect?
Taking into account today's attempts () to strike various targets in Russia, the flights of such a variety of reconnaissance equipment south of the Crimean peninsula and off the coast of Romania confirm preparations for the next launch of Ukrainian drones.
At the same time, the American RQ-4B UAV is still in the Black Sea airspace. And according to statistics, Ukrainian formations most often strike in the period from 20.00 to midnight and from 4 to 8 in the morning.
In Yeysk a few hours ago there was already an explosion at the airfield. According to preliminary data, a Tu-141 Strizh jet UAV was struck. There was a hit on the territory of the base, but none of the aircraft was hit.
However, this attack is unlikely to be the only one. With a high probability, attempts will continue.
Tu-141 in Ukrainian hands were modified by Raytheon to add GPS guidance to turn them from recon drone into cruise missile wasn't it? Coordination with NATO ISR would suggest NATO is encouraging/ordering Ukraine to launch strikes into Russia proper.
Question is why now? Why pick this moment to escalate?
Question is why now? Why pick this moment to escalate?
It's not the first used like this, multiple got launched in the past year with one killing a bomber crew and damaging a TU-22 in last december.
I think it's more about the time to refurbishes the drone that determine the moment of launch.
Any info regarding the supposed A-50 AWACS that was hit by a drone last week?
I recall a Tu-141 was launched near the start of the war too but it flew in the complete wrong direction and landed in Romania.
Perhaps it just takes that long for them to convert a batch.
These fast, low flying all metallic drones would be easy to pick up if only Russia had more A-50U
Seems fine, likely fake news
Last I heard of it, the Boomerang failed to pass military acceptance. It turned out the vehicle was too small inside for fully equipped soldiers. But it would not be the first time the Russians send even limited use equipment into Ukraine. It is a way to test new systems and put the resources to use. I think it was a combination of things really. The BTR-82AM upgrade is way, way, cheaper than a brand new Boomerang despite being way more cramped inside.
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Can't believe my eyes:
Ukrainian sources reporting AFU is ordering more troops to be sent into Bakhmut
Ukrainian sources reporting AFU is ordering more troops to be sent into Bakhmut