On October 17, 2023, several russian helicopters and air defense equipment were likely struck at Berdiansk and Luhansk airfields. Although the extent of damage is currently unconfirmed, it is likely nine russian military helicopters at Berdiansk and five at Luhansk were destroyed, with Ukraine claiming to have used the US-provided long-range army tactical missiles (ATACMS) for the first time, the UK Defense Intelligence reports.
Given that russian fixed wing close air support to date has been extremely poor, russian defensive lines have become increasingly reliant on rotary wing support in the face of the Ukrainian offensive. Berdiansk was being used as a primary forward operating base on the southern axis providing both logistics and offensive/defensive capabilities. If confirmed, it is highly likely these losses will have an impact on russia’s ability both to defend and conduct further offensive activity on this axis. Given the current strain on russian military production, the confirmed loss of any air frames will be difficult to replace in the short to medium term.
Read more: How Many russian Helicopters Were Destroyed in Luhansk (Satellite Images)
This loss will also likely create additional pressure on russia’s pilots and air frames, already almost certainly suffering combat exhaustion and maintenance issues due to the unanticipated protracted campaign. There is a realistic possibility this strike will compel russia to once again relocate its operating bases and command and control nodes farther from the front lines, increasing the burden on logistics chains.
Read more: Ukraine’s Military Targeted ATACMS Missiles at russian Airfields For the First Time in History
