Russia claimed on Tuesday (July 2) to have destroyed five Ukrainian military aircraft in an air base attack, just as Kyiv braced for the long-awaited arrival of its F-16 fleet.
The Russian Defense Ministry stated that it had launched Iskander-M missiles at an air base near the central Ukrainian city of Myrgorod, approximately 150 kilometers from the Russian border. “As a result of the Russian military’s attack, five Su-27 multipurpose aircraft were destroyed and two required repairs,” the ministry announced in a Telegram statement.
The ministry also released video footage that it claimed depicted the attack and its aftermath. The footage showed plumes of grey smoke billowing from the airfield, where some warplanes were apparently parked, and the ground scorched black.
Both Russian and Ukrainian military bloggers reported on the attack on Monday (July 1), but AFP could not verify the video footage or claims. The Ukrainian Air Force declined to comment.
Ukrainian military journalists reported that Kyiv suffered equipment losses in the attack, and that the incident sparked outrage among Ukrainian military commanders because the destroyed plane was left unprotected in the open.
Throughout the conflict, now in its third year, fighter jets have been used sparingly. However, Kyiv hopes the arrival of a fleet of Western-supplied F-16s will enable it to better defend itself against Russian bombing raids.
Ukraine has been calling for this American-made fighter jet since the conflict began.
Several NATO members have pledged to provide F-16s to Ukraine and have been training Ukrainian pilots and crews for months.
The initial deliveries, including those from the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark, are expected in the near future. Russia has vowed to target and destroy them.
Ukraine has not revealed where its F-16 fighter jets will be deployed. However, Russian military bloggers who support the invasion suggest that Russia’s intensified attacks on Ukrainian air bases this year may be in anticipation of a near-term delivery of F-16s.
(Source: AFP)
Russia Claims to Destroy Ukrainian Fighter Jets Amidst F-16 Arrival Expectations
In a move that underscores the escalating tensions in the ongoing conflict, Russia announced on Tuesday, July 2, that it had successfully destroyed five Ukrainian military aircraft in an airstrike on an air base. This announcement comes amidst anticipation for the imminent arrival of a fleet of F-16 fighter jets in Ukraine, a development that has sparked heightened concerns from Moscow.
Iskander-M Missiles Target Myrgorod Air Base
The Russian Defense Ministry attributed the destruction to an attack employing Iskander-M missiles, targeting an air base situated near the central Ukrainian city of Myrgorod. This base is strategically located around 150 kilometers (93 miles) from the Russian border, highlighting the proximity of the conflict zone. According to the ministry’s statement on Telegram, “As a result of the attack by the Russian military, five Su-27 multipurpose aircraft were destroyed and two had to be repaired.”
Supporting Footage and Contesting Claims
In an effort to bolster its claims, the Russian ministry disseminated video footage ostensibly depicting the attack and its aftermath. The footage showcases grey smoke billowing from the airfield, revealing what appears to be a burning scene, with some warplanes seemingly parked in the area. However, the authenticity of this footage, along with the claims themselves, remains unverified, with AFP stating its inability to confirm the information. Notably, the Ukrainian Air Force has refrained from offering any comments regarding the attack.
Ukrainian Military’s Perspective and Concerns
While official Ukrainian sources maintain silence, Ukrainian military journalists have reported equipment losses resulting from the attack. These reports further indicate that the incident has ignited outrage among Ukrainian military commanders, who lament the vulnerability of the destroyed aircraft due to their exposed parking location without adequate protection. This underscores the potential consequences of leaving valuable military assets open to attack, raising questions about the adequacy of security measures in place.
Fighter Jets in the Ukrainian Conflict
Throughout the protracted conflict, now reaching its third year, fighter jets have played a relatively limited role. However, Ukraine’s anticipation of receiving a fleet of Western-supplied F-16s has injected a new dimension into the aerial warfare aspect of the conflict. Kyiv hopes that these modern fighters will bolster its defense capabilities against Russian bombing campaigns, effectively turning the tide of the air war.
F-16s: A Game Changer for Ukraine?
The desire for F-16s has been a persistent plea from Ukraine since the conflict’s inception. The US-made fighter jets are considered a significant upgrade to Ukraine’s existing arsenal, offering advanced capabilities in terms of speed, maneuverability, and firepower. This potential game changer has garnered support from several NATO members, who have pledged to provide F-16s to Ukraine and have initiated training programs for Ukrainian pilots and crews for months.
Imminent Deliveries and Russia’s Threat
The first deliveries of F-16s, sourced from the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark, are anticipated in the near future, marking a critical juncture in the conflict. However, Russia has not shied away from expressing its opposition, vowing to target and destroy these advanced aircraft. This declaration serves as a stark reminder of the potential escalation that the arrival of F-16s could trigger, raising the stakes considerably.
Strategic Implications and Anticipation
Despite the lack of official confirmation, speculation is rife regarding the deployment locations for Ukraine’s F-16 fleet. Russian military bloggers, who advocate for the invasion, have suggested that Russia’s recent escalation in attacks on Ukrainian air bases could be a preemptive measure in anticipation of the imminent arrival of F-16s. This hypothesis underscores the gravity of the strategic implications associated with the introduction of these advanced aircraft into the conflict.
The F-16s’ Potential Impact
The arrival of F-16s in Ukraine holds the potential to significantly alter the course of the conflict. These jets, equipped with advanced weaponry and sophisticated avionics, could disrupt Russian air superiority and empower Ukraine to better defend its airspace. This would likely lead to a more intense air war, with greater risks and potential repercussions for both sides.
Conclusion
The recent attack on the Myrgorod air base, coupled with the anticipated arrival of F-16s, underscores the volatile dynamics at play in the Ukrainian conflict. Amidst the ongoing struggle for air superiority, the introduction of new weapons systems carries the potential to reshape the conflict’s trajectory, with far-reaching implications for the region and beyond. The next few months are likely to witness a significant escalation in the aerial dimension of the war, as both sides strive to secure dominance in the skies.