The Ukraine war has revealed the limited role of Russian airpower, which has been kept at bay by effective Ukrainian anti-aircraft missiles. In response, Russia has turned to glide bombs, deploying them from a distance to engage targets without needing air superiority. Analysts from the Royal United Services Institute note that this strategy has provided the Russian VKS with a means to participate in the conflict while avoiding direct confrontation. NATO experts worry that the effectiveness of Russian missiles against Ukraine raises concerns about similar vulnerabilities for NATO air forces, emphasizing the need for enhanced glide bomb production.
Glide bombs gave the VKS teeth without the need to first achieve air superiority or gain the ability to penetrate Ukrainian airspace.
If Ukrainian S-300 and Patriot anti-aircraft missiles can destroy Russian planes, then couldn't Russian missiles do the same to NATO planes?
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