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What happened to Russias Air Force? U.S. officials, experts stumped

reuters.com

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Re: What happened to Russias Air Force? U.S. officials, experts stumped

#11

Post by jeffreyrogers »

AlwaysRock wrote: post #5
x86_64Ubuntu wrote: post #4

I can only assume they are keeping their powder dry, or working to limit casualties. I saw a video of a lady riding in a car beside a convoy, and then she threw a molotov and the driver sped off. If that were Iraq in 2003, she car probably would have been lit up.

They have been bombing cities. I don't think they are trying to limit casualties.

There are always going to be civilian casualties in war, but it sure looks like they are trying to limit them. Would be worth comparing to other, similar conflicts. Surely a full scale air campaign would lead to more civilian casualties?

Re: What happened to Russias Air Force? U.S. officials, experts stumped

#12

Post by hdjjhhvvhga »

gedy wrote: post #2

Uninformed opinion would be they are holding back until needed if things need to escalate in the Ukraine or with the west. I wouldn't assume it's some sign of weakness.

> I wouldn't assume it's some sign of weakness.

Well, given the deplorable state of their ground units, I wouldn't rule it out.

Re: What happened to Russias Air Force? U.S. officials, experts stumped

#13

Post by slavoingilizov »

Many conflicting viewpoints here. Sure, there's been less of a push from Russia than everyone expected, but it's not like Ukraine controls the sky either.

Are Ukranians really still flying? If that was the case, the mentioned 40-mile convoy heading to Kiev would have been hit by now, no? Russians driving vehicles bumper to bumper shows VERY strong confidence that they own the sky, so things might not be as rosy for Ukraine as they seem.

Re: What happened to Russias Air Force? U.S. officials, experts stumped

#14

Post by josefresco »

Mountain_Skies wrote: post #7

Just because the US is in love with 'Shock and Awe' doesn't mean everyone else sees it as the appropriate methodology in all circumstances.

From the article...

"That would have been "the logical and widely anticipated next step, as seen in almost every military conflict since 1938," wrote the RUSI think-tank in London"

Re: What happened to Russias Air Force? U.S. officials, experts stumped

#15

Post by gojomo »

It's also possible there are new, not-yet-publicly-disclosed anti-aircraft countermeasures/weapons. So, after seeing hints of greater-than-expected losses from unknown causes, the Russians may be wary of putting more aircraft at risk until more is understood, & tactics adapt.

Re: What happened to Russias Air Force? U.S. officials, experts stumped

#16

Post by jeffreyrogers »

watwut wrote: post #10
farseer wrote: post #8

Quoted post unavailable.

The war is already in the indiscriminate killing phase and moving towards just destroy city phase. Should be there in few days. Slav fellowship does not work in wars. No fellowship works in wars.

> Slav fellowship does not work in wars. No fellowship works in wars.

Historically combatants have treated their opponents differently based on race and existing cultural attitudes. Don't see why it would be any different this time around.

Re: What happened to Russias Air Force? U.S. officials, experts stumped

#17

Post by MattGaiser »

AlwaysRock wrote: post #5
x86_64Ubuntu wrote: post #4

I can only assume they are keeping their powder dry, or working to limit casualties. I saw a video of a lady riding in a car beside a convoy, and then she threw a molotov and the driver sped off. If that were Iraq in 2003, she car probably would have been lit up.

They have been bombing cities. I don't think they are trying to limit casualties.

It could be the difference between individual soldiers and Russian commanders. Individual soldier is happy. He gets to back as his truck was destroyed. Missiles are targeted by more senior people.

Re: What happened to Russias Air Force? U.S. officials, experts stumped

#18

Post by 3pt14159 »

jeffreyrogers wrote: post #11
AlwaysRock wrote: post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

They have been bombing cities. I don't think they are trying to limit casualties.

There are always going to be civilian casualties in war, but it sure looks like they are trying to limit them. Would be worth comparing to other, similar conflicts. Surely a full scale air campaign would lead to more civilian casualties?

Don't forget the decisions of individual soldiers here. If I were forced to drive a tank in a war I did not believe in and a babushka threw a pointless cocktail at me I would not retaliate. These individual actions in war add up.

Re: What happened to Russias Air Force? U.S. officials, experts stumped

#19

Post by ceejayoz »

slavoingilizov wrote: post #13

Many conflicting viewpoints here. Sure, there's been less of a push from Russia than everyone expected, but it's not like Ukraine controls the sky either. Are Ukranians really still flying? If that was the case, the mentioned 40-mile convoy heading to Kiev would have been hit by now, no? Russians driving vehicles bumper to bumper shows VERY strong confidence that they own the sky, so things might not be as rosy for U…

> If that was the case, the mentioned 40-mile convoy heading to Kiev would have been hit by now, no?

Not necessarily. That's likely to be a target-rich, but well-defended area. As long as it's not moving - especially given rumors of fuel troubles - there may be better things for the Ukranian air force to tackle, like helicopters moving troops around.

Re: What happened to Russias Air Force? U.S. officials, experts stumped

#20

Post by wildzzz »

x86_64Ubuntu wrote: post #4

I can only assume they are keeping their powder dry, or working to limit casualties. I saw a video of a lady riding in a car beside a convoy, and then she threw a molotov and the driver sped off. If that were Iraq in 2003, she car probably would have been lit up.

It was an armored vehicle being pulled by what looked like a tractor. I don't think it was in any condition to fire on the car.
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