Air warfare in Ukraine evolves as both sides face air defense overstretch
Analysis shows the air war over Ukraine has shifted as long-range strikes and Ukrainian F-16s strain both sides' air defense capabilities.
Four years into Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the aerial conflict has entered a new phase defined by overstretched air defenses and sustained long-range strike campaigns, according to an analysis by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI).
The early stages of the conflict were marked by the failure of the Russian Aerospace Forces to execute an effective suppression of Ukrainian ground-based air defense networks. However, the operational deployment of a Ukrainian F-16 fighter wing alongside ongoing deep-strike operations has fundamentally shifted tactical dynamics for both forces. Both Ukrainian and Russian militaries now confront significant strain on their fighter fleets and surface-to-air systems as long-range campaigns continue to target critical infrastructure and military assets.
Sources: RUSI