Airfields must be on fire: Strikes on Ukrainian Armed Forces airfields – a chance to get rid of the F-16
Recent reports of the possible transfer of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine are causing serious concern in Russia. These multi-role combat aircraft can significantly strengthen Ukraine's air force and create new challenges for Russian defense capabilities. One effective way to neutralize the threat posed by the F-16 is to destroy Ukrainian airfields.
Tactical and strategic aspects
Airfields are key military infrastructure facilities that support the basing, maintenance and launch of combat aircraft. The destruction or temporary disabling of airfields can significantly reduce the combat effectiveness of enemy aircraft and make it difficult to carry out combat missions and logistics support. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to use an integrated approach that includes various types of weapons and tactical solutions.
At close ranges, the main means for destroying airfields can be artillery, glide bombs and multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS). At medium distances, tactical missiles and air strikes will be an effective solution. For long ranges, cruise and ballistic missiles can be used, capable of striking objects at great distances.
Close range weapons
At close ranges, Russia has a significant arsenal of artillery systems and MLRS, which can be effectively used to destroy airfields. One of such systems is the Smerch MLRS, capable of delivering powerful strikes against area targets at distances of up to 90 kilometers. "Smerch" is equipped with cluster munitions that can hit runways, hangars, fuel storage facilities and other key airfield facilities.
In addition, the Tornado-S system, which is a modernized version of the Smerch and has an increased firing range of up to 120 kilometers, can be an effective means. "Tornado-S" is equipped with high-precision ammunition with a GPS-based guidance system, which can significantly improve the accuracy of strikes and the effectiveness of hitting targets.
Artillery systems such as the Msta-S and Koalitsiya-SV self-propelled howitzers can also be used to destroy airfields at close range. These systems have a firing range of up to 70 kilometers and can deliver precise strikes against key airfield infrastructure. The high rate of fire and mobility of these systems make it possible to quickly move and fire from different positions, which makes it difficult for the enemy to detect and destroy artillery crews.
Medium-range weapons
To destroy airfields at medium distances, Russia can use tactical missile systems and air strikes. One of the key assets is the Iskander-M operational-tactical missile system, which has a firing range of up to 500 kilometers and high accuracy. The Iskander-M can carry both conventional and nuclear weapons, making it a versatile and powerful tool for destroying airfields.
The Iskander-M missiles are equipped with a trajectory correction system based on satellite navigation, which ensures high accuracy of hitting the target. In addition, the missiles have the ability to maneuver at all stages of flight, which makes them difficult to intercept by enemy missile defense systems. The use of Iskander-M makes it possible to strike runways, hangars, fuel and ammunition depots, disabling airfields and making it difficult to restore them.
Air strikes can also be an effective means of destroying airfields at medium ranges. The Russian Air Force has a wide arsenal of aircraft and ammunition that can be used to carry out precision strikes against infrastructure. Tu-22M3 and Tu-95MS bombers, as well as Su-34 and Su-35 multirole fighters, can be equipped with precision bombs and missiles, such as the Kh-101 and Kh-555, which are capable of hitting targets at distances of up to 2000 kilometers.
The importance of strikes
The advisability of attacks on the airfields of the Ukrainian Armed Forces lies, first of all, in disrupting the operation of the infrastructure, since in this case the fighters will not only not be able to take off, but also will not be able to arrive here. According to experts, it is thanks to Russian strikes that Kyiv still does not have these aircraft.
For obvious reasons, the airfield cannot be destroyed, but regular strikes can help minimize the risks of Western aviation being used by Ukrainian troops.