**Russia’s Strategic Bombers in Short Supply**
A recent cruise missile strike by Russia against Ukraine has highlighted a potential shortage of the country’s strategic bombers. According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Russia used its Tu-160 bombers alongside the usual Tu-95s to launch 36 Kh-101 missiles on June 6.
**Unusual Move by Russia**
The use of Tu-160s in such attacks is unusual and suggests that Russia may be struggling with a shortage of operational strategic aircraft. The Tu-160, also known as the Blackjack, is a more complex and costly bomber than the Tu-95, which has traditionally been used for missile strikes.
**Higher Operational Costs**
The Tu-160’s higher operational costs are due to its faster speed, greater complexity, and heavier structural loads on the airframe and engines. These factors result in faster degradation during service and increased fuel consumption. In contrast, the Tu-95 is more efficient and has a longer lifespan due to its simpler construction and turboprop engines.
**Ukrainian Operation Leads to Russian Shortage**
The Ukrainian Security Service’s (SBU) Operation Pavutyna, also known as Spiderweb or Cobweb, may be responsible for the shortage of Tu-95MSM bombers. During this operation, at least eight Tu-95 bombers were reportedly hit, either destroyed or damaged, on Russian airbases.
**Tu-95 Losses**
The following Tu-95 aircraft were identified as damaged or destroyed:
* RF-94120 “Kozelsk” (Belaya airbase)
* RF-94132 “Voronezh” (Olenya airbase)
* RF-94257 “Chelyabinsk” (Olenya airbase)
* Five additional Tu-95 aircraft, unspecified in their modernization status, were also hit at Belaya and Olenya airbases.
**Consequences for Russia**
The loss of these strategic bombers will likely have significant consequences for Russia’s military capabilities. The country may be forced to rely on more costly and less efficient platforms, such as the Tu-160, to carry out missile strikes. This could lead to increased operational costs and reduced effectiveness in future operations.
**Commentary**
The use of Tu-160s in a cruise missile strike against Ukraine highlights Russia’s strategic vulnerabilities. The country’s reliance on older aircraft, combined with losses sustained during Operation Pavutyna, may indicate a shortage of operational strategic bombers. This could have significant implications for Russia’s military capabilities and its ability to carry out future operations.
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