British intelligence: Russia has a lot of planes left, but a large-scale air campaign is unlikely
The Russian military space forces have retained a fairly large number of aircraft, but it is unlikely that Russia will decide to drastically expand the air campaign because of this. This is stated in the intelligence report of the UK Department of Defense.
It is reported that Russia continues to use in combat operations about the same number of aircraft and helicopters as it has been for many months in a row before. In recent weeks, the number of sorties has increased, but air activity remains at about the level of what was observed since the summer of 2022.
Intelligence also notes that Russian fighters operate almost exclusively from the territory controlled by the Russian Federation, which reduces the effectiveness of their use, but also reduces the risks for them.
«On the territory of Russia, the Aerospace Forces most likely have a practically intact fleet of about 1500 military aircraft, despite the fact that since the beginning of a full-scale war more than 130 were lost. However, it is unlikely that the Aerospace Forces are now preparing for a significant expansion of the air campaign, because in the current situation on the battlefield, this threatens them with unacceptable losses of aircraft & # 187;, & # 8212; intelligence notes.
- Earlier, the Financial Times reported that Russia was relocating military aircraft and helicopters to the border with Ukraine, this may indicate the transition of the war into a new phase.
< /ul>
