Russian drone strikes cripple Ukrainian airbases, destroying aircraft
The past few days have been exceptionally tough for Ukrainian aviation. The Russians managed to attack an airport where Ukrainian Su-27s were stationed and subsequently destroyed a Mi-24 helicopter. Another attack on the Dolgincevo airbase in Kryvyi Rih resulted in further losses. This time, at least one aircraft was destroyed.
The attack scenario is similar in all cases. It is carried out by a Russian drone, which – undetected and unchallenged – allows the detection and identification of targets while flying near the airbase.
The base is then attacked by Iskander missiles, with attention drawn to the shorter Russian "kill chain" compared to the first months of the war – the process related to detecting, identifying, and destroying targets. Although it is still far from NATO standards, the Russians have shortened it enough to inflict significant losses on the Ukrainians.
The attack on Dolgincevo was no different. Although a mock Su-25 stood unprotected on the airport apron, the Russian drone could accurately recognize the decoy and detect the Ukrainian aircraft.
Attack coordinated by drones
According to Defence 24, it was a MiG-29 undergoing maintenance work and a Su-25 assault aircraft. Both aircraft were detected despite being under a canopy, and the attack by Iskander missiles destroyed at least one aircraft – official Russian sources mention one MiG-29.
Konrad Muzyka, director of Rochan Consulting, summarized the Russian tactics for AFP. He said that in the attacks, pairs of drones are used, with one serving to observe the targets while the other acts as a data relay, enabling communication over long distances.
Such significant freedom of action for Russian drones is attributed to the limited number of anti-aircraft systems available to Ukraine.
Rampant Russian attacks on airbases in recent days could also result from the belief that the first F-16 aircraft have already been stationed in Ukraine. The destruction of any of these machines would be a very significant propaganda success for Russia.
