UK intel: Ukrainian attack on Krasnodar Krai air base forces dispersal of Russian aircraft, boosting operational burdens
Dispersal of around 40 Russian aircraft from Kushchovskaya airfield due to Ukrainian attack will increase sortie lengths, fuel costs, and strain on aircrews, per UK intelligence.
The Kushchovskaya military airfield, located in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai, came under a drone attack overnight on 26-27 April, destroying a warehouse with UPMK gliding bomb kits. Front-line bombers were also located at the airfield.
The ministry wrote:
- Over the course of this week, the Ukrainian attack on the Russian airfield Kushchevskaya has likely contributed to approximately 40 aircraft of different types being removed from the area and dispersed to multiple airfields further from the frontline.
- The impact of this is unlikely to be immediately obvious or dramatic. However, Ukraine has already demonstrated the ability to strike much further into Russia than these dispersal locations. Forcing such dispersal measures means that length of sorties will have to increase to maintain the same permanency over the battlespace. This will in turn require more fuel, increasing cost, while also placing more strain on the aircrews.
Read also:
- UK defense chief: Ukraine to increase long-range attacks inside Russia
- UK intel: Ukraine’s disruption of Russian tactical air likely to force Russia to further disperse aircraft
- Ukrainian drone attack on Russian airfield hits gliding bomb depot, possibly damages aircraft
- Ukraine strikes Russian oil refineries, airfield overnight in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai
- “Week-long ambush” preceded historic Russian Tu-22 bomber downing, Ukraine intel chief says, confirming S-200 use
- Media sources: Ukraine used old S-200 long-range SAM system to down Russia’s Tu-22M3 strategic bomber for the first time
- Military: Russians use scorched earth tactics in Donbas, destroying everything with KAB bombs
You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this.
We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society.
A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support.
Become a Patron!
