Battles in southern Ukraine
London: Helicopter gunships give Russians advantage
06/17/2023, 11:18 am
Since the start of the Ukrainian counter-offensive, Russia has been increasing its combat helicopter forces in southern Ukraine. For Putin’s troops, this means a clear advantage in airspace, say British intelligence services. They can use long-range missiles against ground targets.
According to British intelligence services, Russia has gained an advantage in the airspace over southern Ukraine. This emerges from the latest daily report on the Ukraine war by the Ministry of Defense in London. The Russians are currently superior in the “constant competition of measures and countermeasures”, particularly in the case of combat helicopters, which could use long-range missiles against targets on the ground. The Russian war of aggression against the neighboring country has now lasted almost 16 months.
The report goes on to say: “Since the start of the Ukrainian counter-offensive in southern Ukraine, Russia has increased its combat helicopter forces in the region.” Pictures show that more than 20 additional helicopters have been stationed at Berdyansk Airport, about 100 kilometers behind the front.
Ukraine has long hoped to receive US F-16 fighter jets. The USA and other Western countries have indicated their willingness to do so, but Ukrainian pilots must first be trained. The retraining of Ukrainian pilots trained on Soviet fighter jets is likely to take months. Experts also point out that the training of technical personnel to maintain the F-16 could take even longer.
It is also controversial how much Western fighter jets can really help Ukraine. Some experts argue that Ukraine’s and Russia’s advanced air defense systems already severely limit the capabilities of both countries’ fighter jets, the US Congressional Research Service wrote in March. On the other hand, supporters of fighter jet deliveries argue that Western fighter jets could certainly help Ukraine. The F-16 could be used in the fight for air supremacy over Ukraine, in repelling Russian attacks, in taking action against Russian positions and in support of ground forces. Russia still has an advantage in airspace, as is currently being shown in southern Ukraine, according to the British secret services.
The Ministry of Defense has published a daily report on the course of the war since the beginning of the war. Moscow accuses London of disinformation.