"Russia's Aerial Crisis: Losses Mount as Fighter Jets Grounded"
TL;DR
Ukrainian anti-air crews claim to have downed 13 Russian aircraft, including 10 Su-34 fighter-bombers, amid Moscow's winter offensive. If Ukraine's figures are accurate, the Russian air force would have around 105 Su-34s remaining in service, but an unknown number may not be operational due to damage, lack of pilots, and required routine maintenance. The arrival of Western F-16 fighter jets in Ukraine is expected to increase strain on the Russian air force, impacting its ability to support ground operations.
- How Many Su-34 Fighter Bombers Does Russia Have Left? Newsweek
- Losing 11 Jets In 11 Days, Russia Stumbles Toward Aerial Collapse Forbes
- Russia has likely grounded its early warning aircraft fleet from flying Ukraine operations because of unsustainable losses, says UK intel Yahoo News
- Russians Haven't Used A-50 Radar Planes in Days – Ukrainian Air Force Kyiv Post
- Air Force confirms downing of another Russian fighter jet Ukrinform
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