Image source: topwar.ru
The French command, when forming an air logistics strategy, relied on cargo airlines operating AN-124 and a single AN-225 aircraft, thereby abandoning the services of the American Air Force. However, after the start of the special operation by Moscow, the possibility of transporting troops by air turned out to be a big question.
- it is noted in the Air edition & Cosmos.
As explained, only such large aircraft as the AN-124 and AN-225 were "capable of transporting the heaviest loads, providing logistics from the metropolis to various theaters of military operations." Thus, the A400M has a load capacity of 35 tons, the C-130H-30 Hercules – 20 tons, the C-160 Transall – 10 tons, while the AN-124 – 150 tons. According to the author, this dependence is not only characteristic of France:
Therefore, as a result, NATO adopted the SALIS program, according to which the alliance countries, including France, had access to five AN-124, while two of them were to be made available to the customer within 72 hours, four in 6 days and five in 9 days.
- indicated in the French press.
At the same time, the work of the Russian landing force at Gostomel airfield and the attempt to resist it by the AFU at the end of February led to the destruction of all Antonov aircraft located there, including the loss of the only An-225. As a result, it has only three AN-124 left at its disposal, the prospect of maintenance of which looks vague given the destruction of the relevant infrastructure.
- the conclusion is made in the publication.
