British intelligence assessed Ukrainian strikes on Belbek airfield

British intelligence assessed Ukrainian strikes on Belbek airfield

The UK’s Ministry of Defence Intelligence Community assesses that the latest strike by Ukrainian forces on Belbek airfield in occupied Crimea has further undermined Russian aviation capabilities.

This was reported with reference to a British intelligence review dated February 10.

It recall’s that on January 31, Ukraine attacked the Russian Belbek airfield in Crimea, as a result of which the “bunker of the radar control coordination center” was destroyed.

"This will almost certainly degrade Russia’s ability to coordinate air activity in the Black Sea region, increasing dependence on an already overstretched fleet of A-50 aircraft, as well as increasingly depleted experienced specialists who can manage air operations," the review said..

As British intelligence explains, Russian doctrine envisages a significant role for ground control posts to coordinate air forces, especially fighters, including in the context of a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Given the need for action in Ukraine, the review’s authors suggest, "it is almost certain that Russian pilots and ground personnel are now suffering from combat fatigue."

“Any subsequent attacks on critical coordination nodes in Crimea will almost certainly increase this pressure, creating an increased likelihood of error or miscalculation,” it concludes.