Pics Courtesy Internet (Youtube.com & timesofisrael.com)
It has been fourteen days since the war in Ukraine started.
Lot of action has taken place on ground and in the air.
Claims and counterclaims have been made.
Various actions (as well as non actions) have been analysed and opinions generated.
Reconciliatory tone from both sides is already being heard.
In spite of fog of war and media hyped propaganda there are lessons emerging.
Coming up ” Air war and Lessons”, under following headings.
- Reported use of Air Power by Russia.
- Reported Use of Air Power by Ukraine.
- Reported losses and media narratives.
- Concept of Air Superiority.
- Concept of No Fly Zone.
- Effect on Russian equipment with Indian Military.
- Broad Security lessons.
- Lessons related to warfare.
- Lessons specific to use of Air Power.
Soviet era air force in Afghanistan suffered huge losses with Stinger SAMs – especially helicopters. In Ukraine too Stingers have been inducted. The Russian air force has been rather unimpressive and hesitant in Ukraine. On the other hand, the Azeris have been very innovative and bold against Armenians in the recent clash, Similar weapon systems were engaged. Putin – having secured corridor to Crimea / Sevastopol – should have enforced a ceasefire. His tactical objectives having been achieved – strategic objective of keeping off NATO is natural from here – and can wait. The sanctions will bite Russia, the Russians are engaged in slogging plodding pitched battles. The effort to cut off Southern Ukraine from the Black Sea – if successful – would be a worthwhile achievement, IF successful —– till now Russians have not been able to take any high value targets.
Thanks for the inputs.
In my opinion non use of airpower is a case of DELIBERATE RESTRAINT.