Isn’t that suppose to be Medvedev? Lavrov speaks much more like a professional diplomat than to make statements like that anyway.
The War in the Ukraine
- Thread starter SampanViking
- Start date
Isn’t that suppose to be Medvedev? Lavrov speaks much more like a professional diplomat than to make statements like that anyway.
Russia appears to be stepping up attacks on airfields that the F-16 is believed to be able to use. It seems that in anticipation of Kiev receiving F-16 fighters, attacks on airfields will only increase.
It is worth noting that the first wave was of "Geran-2" type drones, the ZSU reported the detection of four groups of Russian drones at once. The first group was discovered in the north of the Chernigov region, the drones were heading west. The second group was discovered in the south of the Chernigov region, entered the Kiev region from the east. The third was spotted in the Sumy region towards Chernigovskaya and another in the Mirgorod area of the Poltava region.
While the Geran-2s circled in the skies over Ukraine, revealing Ukrainian air defenses, the second wave was launched with cruise missiles. The missiles entered the Chernigov and Sumy region and the Poltava region, such data was provided by Ukraine. Reportedly, all the missiles went towards Starokonstantinov.
The question remains whether Kiev really intends to base the F-16 on this base and whether they have a viable alternative for this. The construction of underground shelters and for aircraft could be detected, they need a plan that involves placing the aircraft on various types of runways to confuse the Russians. Like this here:
Ukraine has to adapt the airfields involving minimal preparation of the runways so that Western aircraft do not have obstacles when taking off and landing. Ukraine has many operational airfields, but the number will be fewer if it identifies those from which F-16s will operate. The same preparation of places and parking lots for these aircraft must occur as is now the case with the Soviet aircraft in service, dispersing and camouflaging them.
Spokesperson for the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Yuriy Ihnat once said that in 2012 and 2018, F-16 and F-15 aircraft already operated from Ukrainian airfields covered with , so there should be no doubts about whether or not aircraft will be able to take off from airfields, but I think this is overly optimistic for his part.
The Ukrainians will have to take some of the strategic measures to be able to operate the F-16, whether creating deception, dispersal, HAS, underground storage and bunkers, in order to determine the ideal implementation strategy.
It is still worth remembering here that Ukraine needs at least 130 fighters. This is the minimum quantity required. Ukraine has four regional air defense zones. Within each of these zones, the PS ZSU operates to enable the best distribution of resources, both airborne and SAMs, as well as supporting ground forces where and when needed. The most important regional air defense zone is that of Kiev in the north of the country, with the hottest being the second and third, respectively, in the area of Kharkiv and Donbass and Odessa and Mykolaiv. The fourth zone is in the west of the country, in the Lviv region, on the border with NATO countries.
Each of these zones is primarily responsible for the air defense of the region under its responsibility. So when the Ukrainians make their calculations about the number of fighters needed for their air war against the Russians, they are also thinking about the coverage of these 4 zones.
Roughly speaking, the last consultation on the number of fighters for the PS ZSU was 130 units, which would allow the distribution of around 32 fighters for each regional air defense zone between these 4 zones, which would give two squadrons for each zone , totaling eight squadrons or forming a squadron of 32 aircraft, this quantity is slightly larger than a North American fighter squadron of 24 units. In other words, it is possible to maintain a reasonable availability of a single squadron in each regional air zone. This is speaking in times of war. This amount would be the minimum to be able to carry out typical air defense activities, both for fighters, drones and missiles entering the country.
Realistically speaking, Ukraine needs about 12 fighter squadrons (18 fighters on average per squadron) to provide the necessary air support for ground warfare, with four squadrons primarily responsible for each major mission set: (1) suppression of enemy air defenses, (2) air interdiction, and (3) air defensive counterattack. This objective would , with 18 aircraft in each squadron. Furthermore, if it is to simulate NATO doctrine, Ukraine must have a reserve of F-16s available for on-demand refueling, commensurate with historical combat loss rates.
The range of missions that the F-16 can perform fits perfectly into the core mission sets that Ukraine needs to execute. The F-16's biggest advantage for Ukraine is certainly the significant variety of weapons in the USAF inventory that are supported by an active and expanding industry.
Furthermore, it will mean that from that point forward, Ukraine will be able to alternatively migrate away from legacy Soviet fighters to further integrate the country into the US and European military and defense ecosystem, which will increase Ukraine's strength in the long term. For example:
USAF To Develop Its New Air-Launched Munition For Ukraine
Or
Ukraine Says It’s Getting Long-Range Strike Missiles With Its F-16s
In any case, to maintain an operational squadron providing air defense and supporting ground forces, with such numbers they will always be operating at the limit, considering losses and unavailability of fighters for maintenance.
And as we have been following recently, the Russians will literally hunt every F-16 that Ukraine obtains, so that no air base is safe and even on the roads and/or hidden in underground bases, the lives of these aerial vectors will be very complicated, having You have to defend and attack at the same time.
In any case, for the PS ZSU to have the possibility of carrying out the country's air defense and also meeting the needs of attack missions, much more than 130 fighters are needed.
In this regard, a minimally operational squadron must have at least 12 to 16 units, which is not enough in times of conflict, to provide relative air defense operations capability.
In this aspect, perhaps the Gripen and the F-16 complement each other, as the Swedish fighter may well operate primarily as an air defense, interception and air superiority fighter, competing with the Sukhoi for dominance of the airspace over Ukraine, leaving air-to-surface missions to the F-16.
As the Swedish fighter can carry up to 4 AIM-120s under the wings and two AIM-9s at the tips, this configuration, if used well, can greatly disrupt the lives of Russian pilots, especially if the Swedish fighters can operate against active air targets within from Russian territory, for which they do not necessarily need to leave their own country. And this is an indisputable capability if Kiev's so-called allies really want the country to not only defend itself from Russian airstrikes, but also dominate its airspace to objectively prevent such attacks.
Thus, Kiev takes into account being able to count on Swedish fighters for its air defense with an eye on at least 48 to 64 units, which today would be basically impossible to obtain, given that the Swedish air force cannot give up such a quantity.
But this is the real price that must be paid for the PS ZSU to truly be able to defend the country's airspace. Whether they will be successful in the medium and long term remains to be seen in the coming months.
Continuing to play proxy war is no longer possible. Either go headlong into this business to win, or just stop messing around and let the Ukrainians make do with what they have in their hands.
FAB-3000 arrives on Ukrainian positions towards the Kharkhiv front. The aftermath reveals a large crater.
Ukrainian MLRS tries to hide into its secret hanger but which was hit by a Krasnopol resulting in ammunition explosion. This in Seversk front and by the 106th VDV.
Russian intelligence and reconnaissance forces reveal a Ukrainian UAV command post near Kharkhiv. Subsequently a FAB-3000 arrived at that point within an hour, allegedly 27 Ukrainian operators buried under the rubble.
Three Ukrainian personnel hiding in this shelter, which is hit by a Russian rocket.
Ukrainian ammo depot hit and destroyed by a 152mm shell from a MSTA-B howitzers of the 238th.
Torestk under MLRS fire and turning into another Bakmuth.
Ukrainian T-72 tank dispatched by a FGT ATGM.
This Ukrainian T-64BV took an FPV drone hit. But it continued moving and internally the crew managed to put out the fire.
The 238th takes out two howitzers, one an M777 and the other an AS-90 the latter using a Lancet.
FABs with UMPK hit Ukrainian positions in the Kharkhiv front.
Concentration of Ukrainian vehicles reveal a supply operation discovered by a ZALA-16 UAV. Within the hour, the fleet was swarmed by Russian FPV drones.
Ukrainian tank destroyed in Urozhayne.
Russian flag raised over Voshkod.
FABs land in Tykhe in the Kharkhiv front.
LMUR takes out a Ukrainian PVD in Prechistovka.
Another Russian soldier hurls a TM-62 into a Ukrainian stronghold this time in Urozhayne. This is becoming a bad habit.
Russian flag raised in the center of Urozhayne. This is another settlement the Ukrainians captured in their summer 2023 offensive.
Ukrainian MLRS tries to hide into its secret hanger but which was hit by a Krasnopol resulting in ammunition explosion. This in Seversk front and by the 106th VDV.
Russian intelligence and reconnaissance forces reveal a Ukrainian UAV command post near Kharkhiv. Subsequently a FAB-3000 arrived at that point within an hour, allegedly 27 Ukrainian operators buried under the rubble.
Three Ukrainian personnel hiding in this shelter, which is hit by a Russian rocket.
Ukrainian ammo depot hit and destroyed by a 152mm shell from a MSTA-B howitzers of the 238th.
Torestk under MLRS fire and turning into another Bakmuth.
Ukrainian T-72 tank dispatched by a FGT ATGM.
This Ukrainian T-64BV took an FPV drone hit. But it continued moving and internally the crew managed to put out the fire.
The 238th takes out two howitzers, one an M777 and the other an AS-90 the latter using a Lancet.
FABs with UMPK hit Ukrainian positions in the Kharkhiv front.
Concentration of Ukrainian vehicles reveal a supply operation discovered by a ZALA-16 UAV. Within the hour, the fleet was swarmed by Russian FPV drones.
Ukrainian tank destroyed in Urozhayne.
Russian flag raised over Voshkod.
FABs land in Tykhe in the Kharkhiv front.
LMUR takes out a Ukrainian PVD in Prechistovka.
Another Russian soldier hurls a TM-62 into a Ukrainian stronghold this time in Urozhayne. This is becoming a bad habit.
Russian flag raised in the center of Urozhayne. This is another settlement the Ukrainians captured in their summer 2023 offensive.
A story about the rescue of the Russian 152-mm self-propelled gun “Msta-S” from a massive attack by Ukrainian FPV kamikaze drones. The Msta-S self-propelled gun was adopted for armament in 1989, the firing range of the Msta-S self-propelled gun with a conventional projectile is up to 25 km, technical information about it is on the channel. The Msta-S self-propelled gun is equipped with homemade protection and nets for protection against drones. According to the crew of the self-propelled gun, the installation withstood the attack and was sent for repairs; the extent of damage to the self-propelled gun is not clear. Details in the video.
Drone sent that will drop anti personnel mines on Ukrainian routes.
ODAB-1500 lands on Konstantinovka (town), given the mushroom, might have hit a large ammunition depot.
An M777 taken out by a Lancet from the 3rd SPN Brigade.
Four FABs landing on Ukrainian positions in farms near Glubokoe.
House with Ukrainian troops hit by a Kornet ATGM.
Ka-52M sends a LMUR into a high rise building occupied by Ukrainian troops.
Another LMUR strike in Prechistovka.
Baba Yaga shot down by snipers.
ODAB-1500 falls in the brigade headquarters of the AFU 5th Airborne in Konstantinovka (town). Should be the same strike (previous) but a different angle.
Ammunition depot of the AFU 47th Brigade hit by artillery of the Samara Association.
New TOS strikes on Ukrainians positions.
A destroyed T-64BV that was taken out by a Lancet from the 200th Brigade.
Russians have begun storming Novoselivka Persha.
Big fail as Superjet-100 prototype crashes near Moscow. Three killed. It is said to ran out of fuel.
Fuel and lubricants warehouse used by the AFU hit by a Molinya FPV drone.
Odessa partisans striking at Ukrainian TCC vehicles.
Russian Akasya SPG working on logistics routes of the AFU, claims five transports taken out.
Drone strike from the 3rd SPN Brigade takes out a Ukrainian IFV.
Russians posing with abandoned and knocked out Abrams.
Ukrainian demining vehicle attacked by Russian drone.
Air strike on a hanger containing AFU vehicles in Kherson.
Ukrainian engineering vehicle trying to create a pontoon bridge over the Volchya River gets hit by artillery.
FABs hitting in the Kharkhiv front.
MSTA-B providing fire support as Russians advance within Krasnogorovka.
ODAB-1500 lands on Konstantinovka (town), given the mushroom, might have hit a large ammunition depot.
An M777 taken out by a Lancet from the 3rd SPN Brigade.
Four FABs landing on Ukrainian positions in farms near Glubokoe.
House with Ukrainian troops hit by a Kornet ATGM.
Ka-52M sends a LMUR into a high rise building occupied by Ukrainian troops.
Another LMUR strike in Prechistovka.
Baba Yaga shot down by snipers.
ODAB-1500 falls in the brigade headquarters of the AFU 5th Airborne in Konstantinovka (town). Should be the same strike (previous) but a different angle.
Ammunition depot of the AFU 47th Brigade hit by artillery of the Samara Association.
New TOS strikes on Ukrainians positions.
A destroyed T-64BV that was taken out by a Lancet from the 200th Brigade.
Russians have begun storming Novoselivka Persha.
Big fail as Superjet-100 prototype crashes near Moscow. Three killed. It is said to ran out of fuel.
Fuel and lubricants warehouse used by the AFU hit by a Molinya FPV drone.
Odessa partisans striking at Ukrainian TCC vehicles.
Russian Akasya SPG working on logistics routes of the AFU, claims five transports taken out.
Drone strike from the 3rd SPN Brigade takes out a Ukrainian IFV.
Russians posing with abandoned and knocked out Abrams.
Ukrainian demining vehicle attacked by Russian drone.
Air strike on a hanger containing AFU vehicles in Kherson.
Ukrainian engineering vehicle trying to create a pontoon bridge over the Volchya River gets hit by artillery.
FABs hitting in the Kharkhiv front.
MSTA-B providing fire support as Russians advance within Krasnogorovka.
broadsword
Brigadier
It is way too early to take any conclusions. I have heard elsewhere it might have been engine failure.
Also introduced Kamala as 'Vice President Trump'.
But believe them as Dem pols insist to say, that Biden is 'focused and sharp as a tack.'
Ukrainian BMP gets taken out by a Lancet from the 3rd SPN Brigade.
Four FABs land on a Ukrainian PVD that has vehicles and UAV equipment. This across the Dniepr.
This looks like an M777. Ukrainian howitzer taken out by a Lancet from the 3rd SPN.
MSTA-S takes out a Ukrainian field ammo depot.
Tis a Scratch. Russian T-72 and an MT-LB assault positions of the AFU's 68th Jaeger Brigade. The T-72 is covering the MT-LB as the latter disgorges troops at the forest line. The T-72 is bombarding the Ukrainian position and gets a hit from an FPV drone at the front, but keeps on ticking and firing, as the MT-LB withdraws.
X-39 LMUR destroys a Ukrainian shelter.
Ukrainian T-72AMT tank captured intact.
ODAB-1500 arrives on Ukrainian forces under the Antonivsky Bridge.
Ukrainian vehicular hanger near the Kharkhiv front gets a FAB arrival.
Ukrainian ground frone destroyed by drone drops.
Destroyed Maxxpro in the Pokrovsk direction.
Compilation of Orlan-30 and Krasnopol work.
A Ukrainian bridge in the Kupyansk sector gets taken out by an X-38ML strike.
The 238th bombarding Ukrainian positions with MSTA-B howitzers in collaboration with the Grachi SPN. Appears that a field ammo depot was hit.
Ukrainian hanger with vehicles near Liptsy gets hit by FABs.
Another Bukovel AD EW station gets taken out by Lancet across the right bank of the Dniepr.
Captured trophies from Urozhayne, which is another indication the settlement is captured.
Roshel Senator destroyed by FPV drones.
Ukrainian tank destroyed in Urozhayne is a Leopard tank.
British Wolfhound MRAP destroyed by FPV drones.
So that should clear the doubts whether the Su-34 could carry the FAB/OFAB-3000 or it was only the Tu-22.
Aussie "volunteer" and r/Ukraine redditor got killed a few days ago.
Someone compiled a thread about his posts because despite being a volunteer with the AFU's, they would get deleted often for going against the narrative, including the 10:1 kill-death ratios, FPV superiority and other common tropes