Air superiority in western Ukraine is key to future war conditions
In the war of aggression in Ukraine, where Russia’s struggle is reported, people are often asked, “Why Russia cannot take air superiority.”
In this case, the term “air superiority” is inappropriate and “air superiority” should be used.
Air superiority refers to the situation of absolute air superiority, and in modern warfare, only the US Air Force can obtain absolute air superiority, that is, air superiority.
Air superiority means “a state in which the air power ratio is superior to the enemy in terms of time and space, and various operations can be carried out without being greatly disturbed by the enemy” (Self-Defense Forces instruction).
At the time of the operation, it is important which one is in the “unobstructed situation” in the area.
Also, due to the characteristics of high speed and wide area of air power, it is necessary to keep in mind the “floating” that even if it is superior at the present time, it will be inferior in the next moment.
The Ukrainian war situation has not taken absolute air superiority on either side.
Russia holds air superiority in the eastern part of Ukraine, and Ukraine holds it in the western part.
Russia, which is superior in both quality and quantity to military power, has not taken air superiority throughout Ukraine because of its poor strategy to gain air superiority in the beginning of the war.
On February 24, the war began with air strikes across Ukraine.
However, the next day, the 25th, the Army has already begun an invasion. It is unthinkable from the common sense of the US military.