Russia will take years to replace nuclear-capable bomber planes that were hit in Ukrainian drone strikes last weekend, according to Western military aviation experts, straining a modernisation programme that is already delayed.

Satellite photos of airfields in Siberia and Russia’s far north show extensive damage from the attacks, with several aircraft completely burnt out, although there are conflicting versions of the total number destroyed or damaged.

The United States assesses that up to 20 warplanes were hit - around half the number estimated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy - and around 10 were destroyed, two U.S. officials told Reuters.

  • ssillyssadass@lemmy.world
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    10 hours ago

    Yes, with all those old soviet nukes that sre surely still around and not rusting away in old bunkers. I’m sure they fly just fine.

    • barneypiccolo@lemm.ee
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      7 hours ago

      If only a handful deploy successfully, it’s a major problem.

      I do hope a few blow up in the silos, and render vast swathes of Russia uninhabitable for centuries.

        • barneypiccolo@lemm.ee
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          6 hours ago

          Hopefully, but not guaranteed. The rockets aren’t all coming out of silos in Russian territory. A launch from a sub off a coastal target like DC, NYC, LA, SF, etc. might reach its target long before a missile defense weapon could target the threat.

        • someguy3@lemmy.world
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          8 hours ago

          Meant as you only need a few to get through. You seriously gonna tempt fate relying on a missile defence system? Only tens of millions dead on the line. Bunch of 14 year old very badasses on this site.