UK says Russia's naval aviation capability significantly degraded following Crimea airbase blasts
- At least five Su-24 FENCER fighter-bombers and three Su-30 FLANKER H multi-role jets were destroyed in the blasts
The UK ministry of defense in its intelligence report said the original cause of the Crimea airbase blasts is unclear, but the large mushroom clouds visible in eyewitness video were almost certainly from the detonation of up to four uncovered munition storage areas.
“At least five Su-24 FENCER fighter-bombers and three Su-30 FLANKER H multi-role jets were almost certainly destroyed or seriously damaged in the blasts,” the ministry said. “Saky’s central dispersal area has suffered serious damage, but the airfield probably remains serviceable.”
The eight combat jets lost are a relatively small percentage of the fleet of aircraft Russia has available to support the battle. Saky was largely utilized by the Russian Navy's Black Sea Fleet's aircraft.
“The fleet’s naval aviation capability is now significantly degraded. The incident will likely prompt the Russian military to revise its threat perception. Crimea has probably been seen as a secure rear-area,” the MoD said in a tweet.
Picture Credits: BBC
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