As a result of explosions at the Saki military airfield, Russia lost at least 8 combat aircraft, although the airfield itself remained suitable for use. This is stated in the intelligence review of the Britain Ministry of Defense on Friday.
Intelligence notes that the initial cause of the explosions on August 9 is unknown, but large mushroom -shaped clouds that are visible in the video of eyewitnesses almost certainly arose as a result of the explosion of up to four open ammunition depots.
“Almost certainly, at least five Su-24 fighters and three multi-purpose Su-30 fighters were destroyed or seriously damaged as a result of the explosions. The Central District of dispersal was seriously damaged, but the airfield is likely to be suitable for operation”, – says in a published review.
The loss of 8 combat aircraft is a small share of the common aircraft fleet that Russia can use to support war, it is noted in the summary. However, Saki was mainly used as a base for aviation of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Navy.
“The capabilities of naval aviation of the fleet are now significantly reduced. This incident will probably force the Russian army to reconsider its perception of the threat. Crimea was obviously considered as a safe rear,” the summary emphasizes.