Russian Air Force having no 'decisive operational effect' due to Ukrainian air defences – UK intelligence
The Russian Air Force is failing to have a "decisive operational effect" due to the threat posed by Ukraine's air defences, according to the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD).
In its latest defence intelligence update, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) said the Russian Air Force has "carried out over 100 sorties a day" so far this summer but these have been limited to "Russian-controlled territory due to the threat from Ukrainian air defences".
"The Russian Air Force continues to consistently deploy considerable resources in support of land operations in Ukraine, but without decisive operational effect," the MOD said.
"Russia has attempted to overcome this issue by increasingly using basic free-fall bombs with range-extending glide attachments.
"Aircraft can release these many kilometres from their targets, but they have yet to demonstrate consistent accuracy.
"At the start of Ukraine’s southern counter-offensive from June 2023, Russian attack helicopters proved effective.
"However, in recent weeks Russia appears to have been less able to generate effective tactical airpower in the south."
The West has sent numerous weapons systems to Ukraine, including air defence systems.
One, sent by the US, Netherlands and Germany, is the Patriot and is used to intercept and destroy incoming cruise missiles and aircraft.
It comes after a blood transfusion centre in the town of Kupiansk was struck by an aerial bomb guided by Russian forces on Saturday night, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
"This war crime alone says everything about Russian aggression," President Zelensky said on his Telegram channel.
"Beasts that destroy everything that simply allows (us) to live. Defeating terrorists is a matter of honour for everyone who values life."
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