Aerial warfare in the Russo-Ukrainian war - Wikipedia
AI Analysis
Drones have played a critical role in the Russo-Ukrainian war, utilized by both Russia and Ukraine for various strategic purposes, including target acquisition and infrastructure strikes. The Ukrainian Air Force has focused on enhancing its air defense capabilities, particularly through the modernization of MANPADS.
Key Takeaways
- Drones are integral to combined arms warfare in the conflict.
- Russia uses drones for striking Ukrainian infrastructure.
- Ukraine employs Bayraktar TB2 drones to counter Russian air defenses.
- Target acquisition via drones is crucial in the Battle of Donbas.
- Ukraine has prioritized modernizing its air defense systems since 2014.
Why It Matters
The use of drones in the Russo-Ukrainian war highlights their strategic importance in modern warfare, particularly in combined arms operations and target acquisition. The modernization of air defense systems by Ukraine signifies a shift towards more robust defensive capabilities against aerial threats, including drones.
Aerial warfare in the Russo-Ukrainian war | ![]<image_link> | This article needs to be updated. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information.(January 2023) | [![]<image_link>]<web_link>[Russian Aerospace Forces]<web_link> helicopters in a field during the invasion, March 2022 During the [Russo-Ukrainian war]<web_link>, [aerial warfare]<web_link> took place as early as the dawn of 24 February 2022, with Russian infantry and armored divisions entering into Eastern Ukraine with air support. Dozens of missile attacks were reported across Ukraine. The main infantry and tank attacks were launched in four spearhead incursions, creating a northern front launched towards Kyiv, a southern front originating in Crimea, a south-eastern front launched at the cities of Luhansk and Donbas, and an eastern front. Dozens of missile strikes across Ukraine also reached as far west as [Lviv]<web_link>. [Drones]<web_link> have also been a critical part of the invasion, particularly in regards to [combined arms warfare]<web_link>. Drones have additionally been employed by Russia in [striking Ukrainian critical infrastructure]<web_link>, and have been used by Ukraine to [strike military infrastructure in Russian territory]<web_link>.
Air forces
Ukrainian Air Force
Main article: [Ukrainian Air Force]<web_link> After the beginning of the [Russo-Ukrainian War]<web_link> on Donbas in 2014, the development of air defense capabilities was a goal of the Ukrainian government. This consisted of ensuring that the radio engineering troops, responsible for providing warning from air attacks, could detect targets in a 300–400 kilometres (190–250mi) range. In addition, Ukraine tried to modernize and increase the lifespans of its [man-portable air-defense systems]<web_link> (MANPADS), which played a significant role in Ukraine's short range air defense capabilities. The [Ukrainian Air Force]<web_link>, led by Lieutenant General [Mykola Oleshchuk]<web_link>, is the aerial branch of the [Ukrainian Armed Forces]<web_link>. Prior to the invasion the Ukrainian Air Force had around 50 [MiG-29 fighters](