01-03-2025, 04:56 PM
(01-03-2025, 04:19 PM)dabigv13 Wrote: Russian glide bomb attacks have been down significantly over the past couple months. Some have posited that the more open targeting for ATACMS and Storm Shadows pushed Russian fighters back further thus increasing logistical burden. It could be the risk of F16s with BVR missiles may be a component as well. VKS has been pretty risk averse since the opening days of the war.You are absolutely right about the VKS being pretty risk averse. That could be a part of it. I am guessing that the weather is playing a major role in this. The Russia aircraft are supposed to be "all weather capable" but in reality that is a bit questionable. The troops are known for drinking the ethanol used as anti-freeze/anti-icing for example :-). At the very least availability goes down because ground support is much more difficult. You simply can't work outside and hanger space is limited. You also can't fly with any of your IFR gear not working. When the weather is good, you can. You also cannot reliably operate using airports that don't have IFR capability. Lots of the Russian "alternates" are in this category.