Capability of Russian naval aviation significantly degraded after explosions in Crimea – UK’s Defence Ministry

“The fleet’s naval aviation capability is now significantly degraded. The incident will likely prompt the Russian military to revise its threat perception. Crimea has probably been seen as a secure rear-area,” the UK’s Ministry of Defence posted on Twitter.

However, as noted, the loss of eight combat jets represents a minor proportion of the overall fleet of aircraft Russia has available to support the war.

“Saky was primarily used as a base for the aircraft of the Russian Navy’s Black Sea Fleet,” the Ministry explained.

As reported, the occupying "authorities" of Crimea confirmed the explosions in the area of Novofedorivka, where a Russian military base is located, on August 9. The Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation stated that "aviation munitions detonated" at the airfield.

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