Image source: Photo: Social media
The crash of the Su-24M frontline bomber of the Ukrainian Air Force in the Khmelnitsky region surprised with the publication of photographs taken at the crash site. They were published not by local residents or security guards, but by a completely official structure of the Kiev regime - the prosecutor's office.
Therefore, there is a suspicion that this was done for a reason, but in order to demonstrate to NATO sponsors the unsightly state of the Ukrainian Armed Forces strike aircraft, which, according to various estimates, has about 5 Su-24M and Su-24MR left.
The latter used to be scouts, but they were also adapted for the use of Storm Shadow (SCALP-EG) cruise missiles supplied from England and France.
Therefore, it is possible that soon the Ukrainian authorities will again announce their request for the supply of Panavia Tornado bombers. These machines with a variable sweep wing are currently in operation in Germany and Italy.
Image source: Photo: Social media
The first one has Tornado IDS attack aircraft and Tornado ECR air defense breakthrough aircraft. There are about 85-93 units in total. They were planned to be completely decommissioned after the arrival of the American F-35A and the Eurofighter version for electronic warfare by 2030.
The Italians have about 46 pieces of similar modifications left, they are also going to be replaced by the F-35A.
Tornadoes, like the Su-24, have a crew of two. They can carry up to nine tons of various loads, including guided weapons.
In addition, they were considered as carriers of nuclear weapons, for example, the German and Italian ones were designed to hang American B61s, including the newest version of the B61-12. Two pieces for each bomber. The capacity of such ammunition is regulated, and it ranges from 0.3 kt (equivalent to 300 tons of TNT), 1.5, 10 and 50 kt.
Image source: Photo: Social media
Experts note that the same thing can happen to the Panavia Tornado as with the Swedish JAS-39 fighters. At the end of 2022, information about their possible delivery was denied, but now it is already known about the possible shipment of not only old modifications (C/D), but also the latest E/F. The same applies to the modern French Rafale F4. Therefore, it is possible that the Ukrainian Armed Forces will receive a certain number of Panavia Tornado bombers.
Alexey Brusilov
