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​The UK Defense Intelligence: the russian Air Force Struggles to Secure Air Supremacy

The Tu-22M3 aircraft with Kh-22 missile / open source
The Tu-22M3 aircraft with Kh-22 missile / open source

In recent weeks russia appears to have been less able to generate effective tactical airpower in the south

The russian Air Force continues to consistently deploy considerable resources in support of land operations in Ukraine, but without decisive operational effect, the UK Defense Intelligence reports.

Russian Su-57 aircraft Defense Express The UK Defense Intelligence: the russian Air Force Struggles to Secure Air Supremacy
Russian Su-57 aircraft / open source

Over the summer, russian tactical combat aircraft have typically carried out over 100 sorties a day, but these are almost always restricted to operating over russian-controlled territory due to the threat from Ukrainian air defences.

Read more: The UK Defense Intelligence: 50 Per Cent of russian Paratroopers Deployed to Ukraine in 2022 Have Been Killed or Wounded

Russia has attempted to overcome this issue by increasingly using basic free-fall bombs with range-extending glide attachments. Aircraft can release these many kilometers from their targets, but they have yet to demonstrate consistent accuracy.

Russian Ka-52 and Mi-28N helicopters Defense Express The UK Defense Intelligence: the russian Air Force Struggles to Secure Air Supremacy
Russian Ka-52 and Mi-28N helicopters / open source

At the start of Ukraine’s southern counter-offensive from June 2023, russian attack helicopters proved effective. However, in recent weeks russia appears to have been less able to generate effective tactical airpower in the south.

Read more: ​The UK Defense Intelligence Reports 'Significant Blow' to russia's Black Sea Fleet