Production increased several times: aviation expert named “pain points” for KAB destruction

Production has increased several times: aviation expert named “pain points” for the destruction of KAB Angela Figin

The GUR reported that the Russians have increased the production of guided aerial bombs several times. However, for now their use is limited to the number of Su-34 aircraft that can deliver them.

Aviation expert Konstantin Krivolap told Channel 24 about this, noting that the Su-34s are at the Millerovo, Morozovsk and Baltimore airfields, which are located closer to the Ukrainian border. The enemy is also increasing production of Iskanders.

How to counter KAB strikes

An aviation expert noted that if Su-34 aircraft are based at other airfields, it will be impossible to perform routine maintenance and aircraft servicing there, meaning there are problems there.

The Russians will be forced to return to the Millerovo, Morozovsk and Baltimore airfields. Ukraine needs weapons that can hit these airfields. All the others are not so important in terms of capabilities and effectiveness, said Krivolap.

The Su-34 is the most effective platform for Russians to strike with KABs, but the occupiers can also carry out air strikes using the Su-24M, of which there are quite a few in Russia.

However, the Su-24M aircraft are already outdated. The Russians mainly use the Su-24MR reconnaissance version. However, it is unlikely that the Russians will actively use the Su-24 for bombing, because they will be exposed to serious risks of destruction.

They can be used to drop KABs, but this is new logistics, airfields must be adapted for their use. These are additional problems, – noted the aviation expert.

He explained to what extent Patriot could limit the Russians' ability to use KABs.

If guided aerial bombs are dropped from a distance of 40 kilometers from the line of combat contact in order to throw a bomb 50-60 kilometers away, then Patriot, which operates against such targets at a distance of 160 kilometers, should be located at a distance of up to 120 kilometers from the line of combat contact, – said Krivolap.

This is the extreme distance from which Patriot can operate, but each activation will be recorded and then Kh-31P and land-based Iskander missiles will reach these air defense systems, so they need to be protected quite seriously. In addition, the Patriot can work simultaneously on both aerodynamic and ballistic targets, but this will entail additional risks.