Russia is creating a new air group to hit the positions of the AFU at the front
Russia is highly likely creating a new ‘elite’ attack aviation group code-named ‘Shtorm’ to operate over Ukraine, as regular air force squadrons have failed to do the job.
This was reported by the UK Ministry of Defense on Twitter.
As noted in the summary, the unit is likely to consist of at least one squadron of Su-24 FENCER and Su-34 FULLBACK fighter-bombers, and a squadron of attack helicopters.
According to British intelligence, the mix of aircraft types suggests the group will have a primary role of ground attack missions. According to credible Russian media reports, the Russian Defense Ministry aims to attract highly skilled and motivated pilots by offering large pay incentives and opening recruitment to retired aviators.
"The creation of the group highlights how Russian assesses its regular air force squadrons have severely underperformed in their core function of conducting airstrikes on Ukrainian lines," the British Defense Ministry noted.
Author – Anastasiya Glotova, 22/05/2023
