Russia's fighter pilots are 'no longer so impudent' after Ukraine's kill streak, says air force

• Russian A-50 planes have been avoiding the airspace over the Sea of Azov for the past six days.
• Ukraine's air defenses downed 10 Russian planes in 10 days in a recent kill streak.
• Russia's losses could be linked to compromised avionics systems, the Kyiv Post reported.

Russian A-50 planes, crucial for surveillance and the coordination of its air power, have been avoiding the airspace over the Sea of Azov for the past six days, RBC-Ukraine reports.

Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yurii Ihnat said it highlighted Ukraine's ability to disrupt Russian airforce operations.

Ihnat also pointed to a notable shift in Russian tactics, involving its Su-34 and Su-35 jet fighters. 

The Su-34 is the Russian air force's best fighter bomber, Forbes reported, and cost $50 million each. The Su-35 has a top speed of 1,485 mph and a bomb load of over 17,000 pounds.

Once accustomed to flying with relative impunity, the warplanes are now constrained by the increased threat of Ukrainian air defenses. 

"Russian pilots are no longer so impudent; they aren't flying as close," said Ihnat.

The need to fly closer to targets to extend the range of guided bombs presents a significant risk for Russian pilots, said Ihnat.

The Ukrainian military has shown expertise in countering enemy threats, resulting in the destruction of 10 Russian planes in 10 days, suggesting potential weaknesses in Russian avionics systems.

On January 14 and February 23, Ukrainian forces also successfully targeted A-50 aircraft, critical early warning aircraft for long-range radar detection and targeting.

The Ukrainian victories in the air war contrast with its struggles on the ground, where its troops have been on the defensive following the loss of the key eastern town of Avdiivka in February, Russia's biggest battlefield success since it seized nearby Bakhmut in May 2023.

Ukraine may have compromised Russian avionic systems

Ihnat suggested that the spike in Russian losses could be partly attributed to Moscow's attempts to advance westward following the capture of Avdiivka.

As Russian attack jets supported these assaults, they are increasingly vulnerable to Ukrainian missiles.

The diminished operational capacity of these aircraft, reported by the Crimean Wind monitoring group, indicates a potential strain on Russian antiaircraft defense capabilities.

Russia's losses could be linked to compromised avionics systems following the capture of key electronic defense components by Ukrainian forces about 18 months ago, the Kyiv Post reports.

Ukrainian forces have declined to disclose the specific methods used to target Russian planes.

It is known to possess advanced antiaircraft systems such as the Norwegian NASAMS and the US-manufactured Patriot missile systems. These systems are capable of engaging Russian jets within significant ranges.