Russia likely creating new ‘elite’ attack aviation group to strike Ukraine, says UK intelligence

UK intelligence said 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.

Read also: After losing its best pilots in Ukraine, Russia training new ones, but not nearly as good, air force says

The agency stressed that the mix of aircraft types suggests the group will have a primary role of carrying out ground attack missions.

In addition, credible Russian media reports suggest that the Russian Ministry of Defense 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 that its regular air force squadrons have severely underperformed in their core function of conducting airstrikes on Ukrainian lines,” the UK ministry said in its daily summary.

Read also: 90 companies that helped Russia evade restrictions to face EU sanctions

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