Ukraine's Air Force explain what they need to protect country from new Russian bombs

The modern fighter jets are needed in order to protect against the new gliding bombs that Russia has begun to use against Ukraine.

Source: Yurii Ihnat, spokesman for the Air Force, on air of national joint 24/7 newscast

Details: Ihnat confirmed the information that the Russians have begun to use new UPAB-1500B 1,500 kg gliding bombs against Ukraine.

Quote: "Absolutely correct, it is so, this information isn’t new. They [the Russians – ed.] can use missiles remotely, the way they did in spring, but they can also use guided aircraft bombs. The enemy's missile capabilities are not unlimited either. The planning bombs, gliding aircraft bombs that have wings, can fly tens of kilometres. It is likely that the Su-34 fighter-bomber that was [recently] shot down attacked Ukraine with such bombs.

That is why we are now talking about modern fighters with a large effective range. Why do we need F-16s or other aircraft? To counter this threat, to protect our cities and villages."

More details: Ihnat noted that aircraft bombs of such type can cause more damage than missiles.

Patriot air defence systems can help Ukrainians protect themselves, but plenty of such systems would be needed.

"The planes are more mobile, they can scramble to intercept the same bombers, and with missiles with a range of more than 150 kilometres, chase away at least those planes and prevent them from dropping these bombs. That is why we need modern fighters, because our Soviet planes cannot do this," he emphasised.

Background: On 4 March, the Defense Express agency, citing its sources, reported that a few weeks ago, Russian troops used a new and quite dangerous weapon against Ukraine for the first time; these were UPAB-1500Bs, 1,500 kg gliding bombs.

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