Image source: topwar.ru
According to Western statistics, the Russian Aerospace Forces had approximately 900 tactical aircraft before the start of the SVO. These include fighters, attack aircraft and front-line bombers. According to Western observers, from 84 to 130 sides have been allegedly lost since then as a result of air defense and fighter aircraft fire, as well as accidents. However, this is only part of the total losses, which should include up to fifty cars worn out as a result of increased operation.
- it is said in the edition of Defense News.
As the author notes, all aircraft have a service life. They are designed taking into account the total number of expected flight hours, which are distributed more or less evenly over time and are separated by periods of periodic maintenance and diagnostics.
According to him, almost half of the VKS forces still consist of modernized Soviet-era aircraft. While the new machines are designed for 3500-4500 flight hours, and some reach 6000, Soviet aircraft – for a flight of only 2000-3500 hours and many of them (Su-24, Su-25, Su-27, MiG-29) are nearing the end of their service life. They have at best 500 to 1000 hours left.
Image source: topwar.ru
In the first few months of the conflict in Ukraine, the VKS flew from 150 to 300 sorties per day, compared with about 60 in peacetime. Even after dropping to 100 sorties a day since then, the VKS has actually flown twice as many since the beginning of its own.
As the author notes, this additional load, by conventional standards, is equivalent to the loss of approximately 34 aircraft since the beginning of the invasion. However, this reflects losses only in relation to the service life of new machines. Since the old aircraft already had few hours left, the actual equivalent of losses was approximately 57 aircraft.
- the author believes.
At the same time, the increasing supply of air defense and cruise missiles, as well as the imminent appearance of F-16 fighters from the AFU will lead to even greater losses – both real and conditional, the author believes.
- the conclusion is made in the American press.
The publication does not write about aircraft losses (due to wear and tear) in the USA itself.
