Russian drone surveillance has identified vulnerable Ukrainian air force assets at key bases, leading to targeted missile strikes.

At Mirgorod air base, two Su-27 fighters were destroyed, potentially comprising five percent of Ukraine’s Su-27 fleet.

Similarly, at Poltava air base, an Iskander missile struck, damaging or possibly destroying a Mi-24 gunship helicopter.

These attacks highlight Ukraine’s air defense challenges, exacerbated by a shortage of effective defenses to protect bases from escalating Russian drone and missile assaults, Forbes has reported.

The Ukrainian air force and army aviation units have suffered significant losses, including fighters and attack jets critical to their defense capabilities.

Despite upcoming deliveries of F-16s and Mirage 2000s from European allies, the vulnerability of these aircraft on the ground remains a pressing issue amid ongoing military operations.

Written by B.C. Begley