Starting from February 17, the Russian Aerospace Forces have lost 15 combat aircraft in the ongoing war in Ukraine. Despite these significant losses, the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has explained why the “second army of the world” will continue to risk its planes on the frontlines.
The news of the Russian aviation’s continued sacrifices in Ukraine has caused concern and raised questions about the strategy of the country’s military leadership. However, according to the experts at ISW, this is not a sign of weakness or desperation, but rather a calculated move to achieve their objectives.
The Russian Aerospace Forces have been heavily involved in the conflict in Ukraine since its inception in 2014. They have provided crucial support to the pro-Russian separatists in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, helping them gain control over significant territories. The use of airpower has been a crucial element in this strategy, allowing the Russian-backed forces to gain an advantage over the Ukrainian military.
However, this advantage has come at a cost. The Russian Aerospace Forces have suffered significant losses in the past seven years, with the recent 15 aircraft being just a fraction of the total number. Despite these setbacks, the ISW experts believe that the Russian aviation will continue to play a crucial role in the conflict.
One of the main reasons for this is the Russian military’s belief in the effectiveness of airpower. The country’s military doctrine places a strong emphasis on the use of airpower to achieve strategic objectives. This belief is further reinforced by the success of the Russian aviation in previous conflicts, such as the 2008 war with Georgia.
Moreover, the Russian Aerospace Forces have been continuously modernizing their fleet, acquiring new and advanced aircraft. This has allowed them to maintain their dominance in the skies over Ukraine, despite the Ukrainian military’s efforts to upgrade their air defenses. The Russian military leadership is confident that their advanced aircraft can withstand the Ukrainian air defenses and continue to provide crucial support to the pro-Russian separatists.
Another factor that motivates the Russian aviation to continue risking their planes is the political and strategic importance of the conflict in Ukraine. For Russia, this is not just a regional conflict but a crucial battleground in their ongoing rivalry with the West. The Russian leadership sees Ukraine as a buffer zone and a vital part of their sphere of influence. Losing control over Ukraine would be a significant blow to their strategic interests.
Furthermore, the Russian military sees the conflict in Ukraine as a way to test and showcase their military capabilities. The ongoing war has allowed them to demonstrate their advanced weaponry and tactics, which can be used as a marketing tool to attract potential buyers of Russian military equipment.
The ISW experts also point out that the Russian aviation’s continued involvement in the conflict is a way to maintain the morale of their troops. The sacrifices made by the pilots and ground crew are seen as a testament to their dedication and loyalty to the country. This, in turn, boosts the morale of the Russian military and strengthens their resolve to achieve victory in Ukraine.
In conclusion, the recent losses suffered by the Russian Aerospace Forces in Ukraine may seem like a significant setback, but it is not a sign of their weakness or desperation. The ISW experts believe that the Russian aviation will continue to play a crucial role in the conflict, driven by their belief in the effectiveness of airpower, modernization of their fleet, and the political and strategic importance of the conflict. The sacrifices made by the Russian aviation are seen as a necessary price to pay for achieving their objectives in Ukraine.
