According to British estimates, Russia cannot compensate for the loss of aircraft in the war of aggression in Ukraine. “Russian aircraft losses far exceed their ability to produce new airframes,” said the UK Ministry of Defense’s daily update on the war in Ukraine. The long time required to train competent pilots also reduces Moscow’s ability to regenerate its air force capabilities.
According to Ukrainian figures, Russian forces have lost 278 planes since the start of the invasion – twice as many as in Afghanistan, the British say. “We cannot verify these numbers, but Russia’s continued lack of air superiority is likely compounded by poor training, the loss of experienced crews, and increased risks of close air support in heavily intertwined anti-aircraft zones,” the statement said. That probably won’t change in the next few months.