It’s baffling that both warring sides consistently leave their valuable fighter jets exposed in the open air. For instance, Ukraine has already lost two Mikoyan MiG-31s and even a Sukhoi Su-57 has been at least damaged. On Monday, Russia launched an attack on the Mirgorod Ukrainian airbase in the Poltava region. After reconnaissance with a drone, the armed forces likely unleashed an Iskander missile equipped with cluster munitions. Videos circulating on social media show simultaneous impacts.
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Losses Avoided?
As usual, both sides present conflicting reports on the losses. Russia claims to have taken six Su-27 Flankers out of commission, two of which were destroyed. The Ukrainian military acknowledges damage, but insists it was significantly less than the enemy claims. It’s also possible that some aircraft were already decommissioned. Regardless of the number of operational jets affected, each loss is a major blow, especially if it could have been prevented. This attack wasn’t an isolated incident. Over the last nine months, Ukraine has lost MiG-29s and Su-25s in a similar way.
Unmolested Reconnaissance Drone
The decision to park the Flankers outdoors has drawn sharp criticism. This is particularly ironic considering that Ukrainian pilots usually do everything they can to make their operations unpredictable. Around 20 airfields are available. According to a US general, the jets nearly always land at a different location from where they took off. Another point causing frustration is that the enemy’s reconnaissance drone was allowed to circle the airfield and surrounding area undisturbed for about three hours – despite being detected beforehand.
F-16s in the Crosshairs
This incident also raises the question of how Ukraine plans to protect its fighter jets in the future. The first F-16 Fighting Falcons are expected to arrive this summer. On July 1st, the Dutch government approved the export of 24 aircraft. Russia will undoubtedly make every effort to neutralize these US jets.
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Ukraine Loses Aircraft in Mirgorod Air Base Attack: Was it Avoidable?
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has witnessed a series of devastating attacks on both sides, with airbases becoming prime targets. The recent attack on the Ukrainian air base Mirgorod in the Poltava region highlights a concerning trend: the vulnerability of aircraft parked in the open.
On Monday, the Russian military, after conducting reconnaissance with a drone, launched an Iskander missile equipped with cluster munitions at Mirgorod. Videos shared on social media showcase the simultaneous impacts of the attack. While the exact scale of the damage remains contested, both sides acknowledge significant losses. Russia claims to have taken out six Su-27 Flankers, two of which were reportedly destroyed. Ukraine, while admitting damage, disputes the extent of the losses, suggesting the affected aircraft may have been decommissioned. Irrespective of the exact figures, the loss of any operational aircraft is a major setback, especially if preventable.
Was the Attack Avoidable?
The decision to leave valuable fighter aircraft like the Su-27 Flankers exposed, especially given the frequency of attacks on airbases, is being heavily criticized. Ukrainian pilots are known for their efforts to maintain operational secrecy and unpredictability. There are about 20 airfields across Ukraine, and US military officials have reported that Ukrainian jets almost always land at different locations from where they take off. This meticulous approach to operations makes the choice to park the Flankers in the open at Mirgorod particularly perplexing.
Adding to the criticism, the Russian reconnaissance drone was able to remain undetected for approximately three hours, circling the airfield and surrounding area – despite already being detected. This incident raises crucial questions about Ukraine’s air defenses and the ability to counter reconnaissance missions.
Unprotected Air Assets: A Recurring Problem
This is not the first time Ukraine has lost aircraft in such a manner. In the last nine months, the country has suffered similar losses of MiG-29s and Su-25s due to open-air parking. These repeated losses, despite knowledge of the risks, suggest a serious need to prioritize the protection of valuable air assets.
The F-16 Dilemma
The recent attack also raises concerns about the protection of future fighter jets. Ukraine is expecting the first F-16 Fighting Falcons by the summer, a crucial addition to their air power. The Dutch government granted export approval for the transfer of 24 F-16s, making the aircraft a key target for Russia, which will undoubtedly seek ways to neutralize them. The current events at Mirgorod underscore the need for stringent security measures and tactical deployment to ensure the safety and operational readiness of these high-value assets.
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