Ukraine: Heavy aircraft losses will reduce Russia's long-term tactical air power, UK says

Russia's armed forces have lost approximately 90 fixed-wing aircraft in Ukraine since February 2022, according to the UK's Ministry of Defence (MOD). 

"All aircraft have a projected lifespan, in flying hours. It is highly likely that with this extra wartime use, Russia is eating into many of its airframes' lifespans far more quickly than the VKS planned for," it said in its latest defence intelligence update. 

The update said: "The Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) have lost approximately 90 fixed-wing aircraft in combat since February 2022.

• Ukraine: Russia commits new 25th Combined Arms Army to action for first time, UK intelligence says
• President Zelensky confirms 'significant reinforcement' as US Abrams tanks arrive in Ukraine
• Russia's Black Sea Fleet remains capable despite damaging Ukrainian attacks, MOD warns

"It has also been flying some of its combat aircraft types far more intensively than in peacetime.  

"The need for extra maintenance is complicated by a shortage of spare parts because of increasing demand and international sanctions. 

"The VKS maintains the ability to surge sortie rates over occupied Ukraine."

The MOD says the viability of the VKS's long-term tactical air power is likely to have been reduced because of wear and tear on the airframes as the war continues "much longer" than Russia expected.

On the ground, Ukraine's counter-offensive enters its fourth month, as US-supplied M1A1 Abrams tanks have now arrived in the country and will be used on the frontline. 

However, Russia has deployed its new 25th Combined Arms Army (25 CAA) onto the battlefield for the first time, earlier than initially planned, according to UK intelligence.