![]() Since the 2014 invasion of Crimea, the military has sought to bolster infrastructure in Europe that would allow it to deter or quickly respond to Russian aggression. If Putin successfully annexes the entire country, NATO countries would comprise nearly all of Russia’s western border - boosting the risk of cross-border confrontation that could draw the alliance’s 30 countries into a fight. The fighter aircraft, personnel and support equipment will operate from Fetesti Air Base, Romania. 11, 2022, to enhance NATO’s air policing mission and integrate with allies and partners in the Black Sea region. ![]() Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 480th Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing, departed Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Feb. Air Forces in Europe and NATO declined to comment directly on reports of possible aerial dogfighting between Ukrainian and Russian jets. “The Ukrainian Air Force, which is small and has some older aircraft, but is still a very capable, professional force, I’m sure they will rise to meet some of the Russian aircraft,” he added, predicting air-to-air combat between the two nations will ensue. Russia could control Ukraine’s skies within 48 to 72 hours as a precursor to “softening up resistance to allow for the ground invasion,” Wetzel projected. “It is a methodology that still works today.” “The United States set the tone for this type of attack in 1991 in the opening hours of Desert Storm,” Wetzel said. Interrupting Ukrainian troops’ access to command, their leaders’ control, and communications more broadly can hurt their ability to slow Russia’s advance.Įxperts said ahead of the invasion the air defense systems were perhaps the most vulnerable aspect of Ukraine’s military protection. The opening moves of the Russian air campaign likely aimed to sever military units’ ties to their commanders - “cut the head off of the snake, if you will,” Wetzel said. Tyson Wetzel, an Air Force intelligence officer and military strategist currently serving as an Atlantic Council fellow, said in an online briefing late Wednesday the force the United States and NATO has amassed in Eastern Europe is enough to give Russian President Vladimir Putin pause before expanding a military campaign beyond Ukraine.īy Meghann Myers, Rachel S. Cohen and Kyle Rempfer Hopefully there’s weapons there if you had to reload.” “The minimum requirements were water, shelter and fuel. “When you take a fighter, you’re certainly going to go to a prepared airfield,” they said, noting the troops may be living in tents at the Baltic bases. The scenario and conditions are likely close to what the airmen have trained to face while at home, the source said. “It’s a short duration, but they can tailor that however they want.” “I would expect them to retrograde back to at some point because I don’t think they’re taking a lot of their spare parts and stuff with them,” the official said. By Sarah Sicard, Rachel Nostrant and Geoff Ziezulewicz
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