Wagner Mercenaries Did What Ukrainian Troops Couldn’t Do: Shoot Down A Priceless Russian Command Plane by daxe
: five helicopters and an Ilyushin Il-22M Coot aerial command post and radio-relay plane. Reportedly, 13 crew died in the six shoot-downs.
When Wagner shot down that Il-22M, it did Ukraine a huge favor. The Russian air force has just 30 Il-22Ms and variants. Russian president Vladimir Putin apparently cut some sort of deal with Prigozhin to end the mutiny. But it’s not yet clear whether that deal includes changes in the military’s leadership — and how those changes might help or hurt Russia’s campaign in Ukraine.
It’s unclear which of Wagner’s air-defense systems engaged the Il-22. The mercenaries rolled into Russia with at least two short-range surface-to-air missile vehicles: a Strela-10 and a Pantsir. The Il-22M with its 39,000-foot maximum altitude can get above both SAM systems, so it’s possible the Wagner crew hit the plane while it was climbing away from its airfield.
Russian war doctrine requires senior commanders to sign off on even local operational plans. By the same token, Russian fighter pilots lean heavily on radar-operators on the ground to pass along information on Ukrainian air-defense activities.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Some Russians welcomed Wagner mercenaries who appeared in their streets during brief insurrection | CNNSome Russians greeted the weekend’s armed insurrection led by the head of the Wagner paramilitary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, with sympathy, appearing to welcome the mercenary fighters.
Read more »
Russia Rethinks Law Against Criticizing Wagner MercenariesA law making criticism of Russian fighters in the Ukraine war a criminal offense might have to be quickly rewritten after last week’s abortive coup attempt led by Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin, a senior Russian politician has warned.
Read more »
Russian mercenaries return to base after deal ends mutinyWagner's lightning insurrection appeared to develop with little pushback from Russia's regular armed forces, raising questions about Vladimir Putin's hold on power even after the abrupt halt to the advance.
Read more »
Russian mercenaries’ short-lived revolt could have long-term consequences for PutinA short-lived revolt by a rebellious Russian mercenary commander ended with his troops beating a retreat, but the extraordinary challenge to President Vladimir Putin’s two-decade hold on power could have long-term consequences for his rule and his war in Ukraine.
Read more »
Russian mercenaries’ short-lived revolt could have long-term consequences for PutinA short-lived revolt by a rebellious Russian mercenary commander has ended with his troops beating a retreat. But the extraordinary challenge to President Vladimir Putin’s two-decade hold on …
Read more »
Russian mercenaries' short-lived revolt could have long-term consequences for PutinA short-lived revolt by a rebellious Russian mercenary commander has ended with his troops beating a retreat, but the extraordinary challenge to President Vladimir Putin’s two-decade hold on power could have long-term consequences.
Read more »