Air War in Ukraine - Strengthening of Anti-Aircraft Defense before Winter
The destruction of a Russian corvette, confirmation (or refutation) of several losses from previous months, and especially the reinforcement of Ukrainian anti-aircraft defense – all of this unfolded in connection with the air war in Ukraine from November 1 to November 31. On the ground, Russian forces attempted massive attacks throughout the month. However, despite significant losses in armored vehicles and manpower, they achieved only minimal territorial gains.
Miro Barič
Air War in Ukraine
Strengthening of Anti-Aircraft Defense before Winter
In the second half of November, it snowed in eastern Ukraine. This shot of Oksana was published on November 20.
The destruction of a Russian corvette, confirmation (or refutation) of
several losses from previous months, and especially the reinforcement
of Ukrainian anti-aircraft defense – all of this unfolded in connection
with the air war in Ukraine from November 1 to November 31. On the
ground, Russian forces attempted massive attacks throughout the
month. However, despite significant losses in armored vehicles and
manpower, they achieved only minimal territorial gains.
During the observed period, there were no
known losses of Ukrainian aircraft or helicopters,
whether on the ground or in the air. In early
November, a previously unknown photo of two
wrecks of Ukrainian Mi-8 helicopters surfaced.
They were evidently transported to a dump from
the crash site, and their loss occurred sometime
in the past.
Towards the end of the month, the Russians
also boasted about the destruction of another
Ukrainian Su-25 fighter at the Dolgintsevo
airport near the city of Kryvyi Rih. In September
and October, both this base and the Kulbakino
airport near Mykolayiv had experienced several
drone attacks using the new version of the Lancet
drones on parked Ukrainian aircraft, including
MiG-29s and Su-25s. While the initial attacks were
surprising, the repeated ones raised questions
about why the Ukrainians allowed it. A video
released on November 30 may provide an answer,
capturing a machine in hiding exploding after
being hit by a drone. At first glance, it appears to
be a Su-25 in digital camouflage with Ukrainian
markings. However, closer inspection reveals
inconsistencies, such as a missing antenna
and only four underwing hardpoints, while
a Su-25 should have five. The shadow of the front
landing gear indicates significant simplification.
The definitive proof that it is a decoy lies in the
engine nacelles, which are entirely suspended
under the wings, whereas in reality, they smoothly
transition to the upper surface of the wings. The
model perfectly fulfilled its role as bait, and the
Russians needlessly wasted a Lancet drone on it.
At the same time, it raises doubts about previous
attacks. The first ones probably did target real
aircraft, but with the repeated ones, it's not
as certain.
Older Losses
On the Russian side, there were no losses
during the observed period, but new information
emerged about some previous losses. In Soledar,
north of Bachmut, a new image showed the
tail surfaces of a shot-down Su-24M with the
designation RF-92025 and fuselage number
"blue 48." The aircraft belonged to the 37th
mixed aviation regiment and was likely shot
down in the vicinity of Soledar in December
2022. Some wreckage was then transferred
to a residential area directly in the city.
HISTORY
Photos: Ukrainian
armed forces,
social media and
other public sources
INFO Eduard32
January 2024