Russia's 'Pearl Harbor'

[biku324]

According to multiple sources, including open source video, Ukraine destroyed 41 Russian bombers and AWACS aircraft last night in locations up to 2500 miles from Ukraine.

So you're aware, Russia had 17 Tu160s, 55 Tu22M3s (minus 1 or 2 lost in Ukraine), and 55 Tu95 strategic bombers then 8 A-50 AWACs planes when they invaded Ukraine; 2 A-50s have been shot down, one damaged in Belarus, and now one destroyed in Siberia. The damage last night is 30+% of Russia's strategic bombing fleet, with 50% of their AWACs aircraft destroyed.

Russia is essentially hand-building these aircraft (as well as the Su57) and has no way to replace them in less than several years. They use the bombers to launch missiles against Ukraine and the AWACs to counter Ukrainian F-16s to ensure no one gains air superiority in that war.

Not a bad night for Ukrainian Special Forces. Slava Ukraini!

To attack Russian air bases, Ukrainian spies hid drones in wooden sheds

The sheds were loaded onto trucks that were driven to the perimeter of the air bases.

www.reuters.com

 

[LVSteve]

Certainly looks like they thinned the hostile herd a bit.

 

[jasonfreeland]

Probably monetarily the most expensive drone attack in history. Not sure what the houthi attack on Saudi Arabian oil production did a few years ago.

 

[jpage]

Some sources say ~ $ two billion worth of aircraft, using ~ $100,000 in drones ? A new era in warfare.

 

[jasonfreeland]

Some sources say ~ $ two billion worth of aircraft, using ~ $100,000 in drones ? A new era in warfare.

The Newsmax article said 7 billion. Not sure which is correct.

 

[jpage]

The Newsmax article said 7 billion. Not sure which is correct.

Probably just added the two TU-160s that were reported to be damaged.

 

[jpage]

Too soon ?

 

[jasonfreeland]

Probably just added the two TU-160s that were reported to be damaged.

Also some question as to the value of each aircraft. Hard to say with inherited cold war stuff.

 

[LVSteve]

Also some question as to the value of each aircraft. Hard to say with inherited cold war stuff.

If you look at it in terms of the capabilities of those aircraft and what it would cost to build them now, $7 billion makes more sense.

 

[biku324]

Some sources say ~ $ two billion worth of aircraft, using ~ $100,000 in drones ? A new era in warfare.

I saw $7 bn replacement cost.

 

[biku324]

Too soon ?

Break out the duct tape - the Russians are coming!

 

[CH4]

Ouch, that’s gotta smart a little. Wonder what impact it’ll have on negotiations.

 

[SMSgt]

WWIII on the cheap.

 

[cololab]

A question for those much more knowledgeable than me: How does this war get ended? Do either of these combatants (Putin and Zelenskeyy) have a serious interest in ending it or are the conditions each would demand just too far apart?

 

[jasonfreeland]

The question is how much territory is Putin going to gain. I just don't see this ending without him getting something, which is unfortunate.

 

[biku324]

Putin should not get one inch of territory by invasion. Not Ukraine, not Georgia, not anywhere.

 

[jasonfreeland]

Putin should not get one inch of territory by invasion. Not Ukraine, not Georgia, not anywhere.

Should and reality are two different things. I hate the fact that I'm expecting it.

 

[Onomea]

Day-um! Slava Ukraini!

 

[The Last Standing Knight]

This is a war. Nothing more and nothing less. Such attacks are par the course. Remember when the Black Sea fleet was destroyed? This is no different.
Right now, it is a protracted war with neither side really gaining much usable advantage except destroying themselves.
The trick is to keep them from destroying everyone else. Right now, at least three other countries are helping the Russians...while the equipment destroyed may not be replaced the same, they will be replaced nonetheless.
This is not going to end without one side obliterating the other.

 

[LVSteve]

Ouch, that’s gotta smart a little. Wonder what impact it’ll have on negotiations.

Given that Russia launched nearly 500 drones and missiles at Ukraine the night before (I think), I'd say the Russians don't give a rat's patootie about any negotiations.