Russian invasion of Ukraine

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nick_h.
Defence experts are puzzled by how few Russian combat aircraft are flying over Ukraine. Russia hasn't even attempted to gain air superiority. Possible explanations being floated are:
- shortage of precision guided munitions
- political approval not yet given to use unguided munitions instead (they would cause far more civilian deaths)
- poor inter-service coordination means Russian air force chiefs are not confident that their planes wouldn't be shot down by their own troops
- jet pilots only get about 100 hours of flying time per year, so they might not be confident about using the theoretical capabilities of recently acquired advanced aircraft
https://rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/commentary/mysterious-case-missing-russian-air-force
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/what-happened-russias-air-force-us-officials-experts-stumped-2022-03-01/?utm_source=digg&utm_medium=email

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stelfox in reply to @nick_h.

political approval not yet given to use unguided munitions instead (they would cause far more civilian deaths)

Can't believe this, they've been shelling cities, dropping cluster munitions, and I believe a thermobaric device. He doesn't seem to be after hearts and minds

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sohi in reply to @stelfox

I have heard suggestions that this is still in the build up phase and first they try to take cities directly if that doesn't work the circle them, cut them off and level them. And the giant convoy
is not stuck but that is just the speed they can move such a huge mass.
All the little positive signs are just because the news cycles are so quick and need constant updates and longer term it will be total destruction.

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