Russian drones have been targeting Ukrainian army helicopters near the front line in eastern Ukraine, resulting in significant losses for the small aviation force. The helicopters were targeted by what is believed to be an Iskander ground-launched ballistic missile, destroying three aircraft near Pavlohrad, 70 miles west of the line of contact. This incident highlights the ongoing struggle of the Ukrainians to maintain adequate air defenses along the 600-mile front line of Russia’s wider war on Ukraine.
The helicopters were conducting daytime missions when they landed at a forward arming and refueling point (FARP) to refuel and rearm. The Ukrainians conduct FARP operations every day to support their low-altitude missions along the front line, transporting supplies, evacuating wounded soldiers, and engaging Russian forces. However, the security of these FARPs has been compromised as Russian drones have been able to spot vulnerable Ukrainian assets, leading to devastating attacks on helicopters in close proximity to the front line.
The increasing speed of the Russian kill chain, coupled with the depletion of Ukrainian air-defense munitions, has made the FARPs more susceptible to attacks. Russian drones have been able to identify and target valuable Ukrainian assets, including helicopters, airfields, and missile batteries, resulting in significant losses for the Ukrainian army’s aviation units. The Ukrainians are now facing the challenge of improving their rearming and refueling procedures, enhancing air defenses over the FARPs, and potentially shifting to safer nighttime operations to mitigate further losses.
The Ukrainian army’s helicopter brigades have experienced significant casualties, losing 40 helicopters since February 2022. While the Ukrainians have received donations of replacement helicopters from foreign allies to address the losses, every destroyed aircraft represents a loss of experienced crew members that are not easily replaceable. The vulnerability of the FARPs poses a continued threat to Ukrainian aviation assets, and urgent measures need to be taken to protect these critical elements of Ukrainian military capability.
General Clair Gill and Major Bridget Day had highlighted the risks associated with vulnerable FARPs in a journal article three years ago, warning that traditional concepts of setting up large forward arming and refueling points may not be sustainable in the current conflict environment. The Ukrainian army must adapt its tactics and procedures to enhance the survivability of its aviation assets in the face of evolving Russian threats. By improving rearming and refueling processes, strengthening air defenses, and considering safer nighttime operations, the Ukrainians can reduce the risk to their helicopter brigades operating near the front line.
