Where is the Russian Air Force? (Opinion)
Despite some modern combat aircraft, the supporting VKS infrastructure has not been up to the task in Ukraine. (Photo: Rosoboronexport)
Despite its reputation, the Russian Air Force has failed to make significant advances in Ukraine — but the lessons that will be likely to emerge will be applicable to all.
As Winston Churchill famously opined, ‘air power is the most difficult of all forms of military force to measure, or even express in precise terms’. The question on many observers’ lips at the current time is whether the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) can define a role for themselves and execute their mission in Ukraine and if not, why not?
One thing is certain, though — air power offers the commander a number of operational benefits. These include the ability to engage targets in depth; provide a rapid speed of response; create a concentration of firepower; provide flexible, proportional responses; and generate
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Ukraine-Russia News: Technology and Equipment Spotlight
-
![Reporting on Russia's invasion of Ukraine (podcast)]()
Reporting on Russia's invasion of Ukraine (podcast)
In a new-look Shephard Defence Podcast, the news team discusses the rapidly-evolving situation in Ukraine and latest developments following Russia's unprovoked invasion.
-
![Italy may donate 155mm howitzers to Ukraine]()
Italy may donate 155mm howitzers to Ukraine
Ukraine could obtain more 155mm howitzers — this time from Italy — as Kyiv seeks to tip the artillery balance against Russia.
-
![Germany mulls supplying IRIS-T to Ukraine]()
Germany mulls supplying IRIS-T to Ukraine
Will Germany decide to provide ten medium-range SAM systems to Ukraine?
-
![Reina Isabel returns to port after partial failure to complete Ukraine delivery]()
Reina Isabel returns to port after partial failure to complete Ukraine delivery
The Spanish Navy support vessel Reina Isabel returned to its homeport on 13 May after a mission to deliver arms, ammunition and Ukraine — although Kyiv did not receive everything it expected.
-
![Pitfalls remain with giving Ukraine modern fighter jets]()
Pitfalls remain with giving Ukraine modern fighter jets
It seems appealing to fast-track pilot training by conducting most flights on simulators and omitting certain procedures if the West were to give more modern aircraft for Ukraine’s air force, but it might prove challenging in practice.
-
![Down, but not out (Comment)]()
Down, but not out (Comment)
The sinking in April of the Russian Navy’s Black Sea flagship, although not evidence of a major change in the naval domain, is a far cry from the pre-emptive scuttling of Ukraine’s own flagship. The donation of increasingly advanced materiel demonstrates increased faith in Ukraine’s ability to resist the Russian invaders.
