Quote:
Originally Posted by Raellus
Damn, this attack is impressive. The concept has been around for a while now, but the planning, execution, and OPSEC that it took to pull this off is astounding. Apparently, the drone were prepped and the trucks were loaded inside Russia. It would have taken one nervous or mercenary participant to blow the whole operation.
https://www.twz.com/news-features/ru...e-drone-attack
We're witnessing the future of warfare unfolding before our eyes. Hopefully, this is a big wakeup call for all of NATO and our Pacific partners. China's been testing airspace around US airbases and naval vessels for several years now. We need more and better countermeasures yesterday.
What's the outcome of Operation Web in the Ukraine War, though? |
You are correct-drones in whatever capacity appear to be the future of warfare. The days of legacy systems may be very numbered.
The operation was very impressive for Ukraine. Couldn't happen to a nicer dictator. It only impairs a relatively small part of the Russian Federation's nuclear deterrent as you pointed out. Some of the aircraft might be returned to service with repairs eventually?
It is an enormous embarrassment for Putin and doubtlessly there will be repercussions inside the Russian military.
In purely military terms, I don't think it raises the stakes much. Russia will retaliate with a relatively large wave of missile and/or drone attacks perhaps over several days.
I do not think it raises the chances of a tactical nuclear use on the battlefield.
1) Russia is so hard pressed they are using (relatively small numbers) of North Korean troops. 2) Russia is purchasing mediocre but workable drone components from Iran and probably slightly better components from China. 3) Russia is sourcing munitions from North Korea.
Russia at this point is fully committed-and I suspect Putin is fully committed to dragging the conflict out until some of the oligarchs lose their fear of him and he passes by an open window.
Perhaps the US Congress will pass some additional marginal sanctions to tighten things up around the edges a bit. Little overall impact at best.
Just my .02