An operation by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has hit “more than 40” Russian bombers at air bases “in the rear of the Russian Federation,” a source in the agency told the Kyiv Independent on June 1.
“Enemy strategic bombers are burning en masse in Russia — this is the result of a special operation by the SBU,” the source said.
Video provided by the source shows what appears to be a row of heavy bomber aircraft on fire at an undisclosed location.
And that, ladies and gentlemen (and everyone else), may be entire Russian strategic bomber fleet, one that has been terrorizing Ukrainian cities for years now.
Every time they got their ass kicked - like when Kerch bridge was blown up or Moskva was sunk - you’d be sure to expect a bombing run at night. That was their temper tantrum weapon, and one that simply terrorized our people, Kyiv and outskirts had it really bad last few weeks. And now it may be gone.
According to world directory of modern aircraft, this comprises 33% of Russian bomber fleet of 120: https://www.wdmma.org/russian-air-force.php. Not the entire fleet, but a significant loss for Russia.
Losing 1/3 of your bombers in one attack means you’re going to be a lot more careful with the remaining ones though. They lost a significant chunk of their reactionary forces in one go.
Russia has already been fighting a lot longer than they planned and have taken much heavier losses. The only reason they’re still going at all is Putin’s ego and inability to admit any mistakes.
Oh, yep, SBU just officially announced that same number. My mistake.
We don’t know how many of those were in operational condition though.