In stark contrast, Ukraine’s air force, with its small number of aircraft, has been able to operate effectively, sticking to quick and low-altitude strikes and rapidly returning to base to avoid being detected and shot down. This has forced Russia’s aircraft to fly at extremely low altitudes, limiting their range and effectiveness. Ukraine’s air defense network, consisting of systems like Buk and HAWK, has been a significant factor in limiting Russia’s air force, making it difficult for them to conduct strikes and providing close air support to troops on the ground.

Russia has struggled to destroy Ukraine’s air bases, which are often located far from the front lines, and its planes have been unable to operate from there, leaving it with limited options for conducting strikes. The war has also seen the introduction of Western-made aircraft, which have given Ukraine’s air force a significant boost. In addition, Ukraine’s air defense systems have been effective in detecting and shooting down Russian aircraft, further limiting their effectiveness.

It’s become clear that Russia’s air force is not geared for a protracted war and is ill-equipped to sustain a high operational tempo, especially with the onset of winter, which will make it even more challenging to operate aircraft due to cloud cover and degradation of guidance systems. In the end, despite having one of the largest air forces in the world, Russia simply lacks the numbers and capabilities to make a significant impact in a war against a country as large as Ukraine.