British intel describes aftermath of Ukrainian strike on Belbek airfield in Crimea

The recent attack by Ukrainian forces on Belbek airfield in occupied Crimea has further undermined the potential of Russian aircraft, Caliber.Az reports citing the UK Ministry of Defence's message on X.

Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine – 10 February 2024.

Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/SNEZd6Pkz8#StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/90Lj6hpHcI

— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) February 10, 2024

UK intelligence pointed out that on January 31, Ukraine struck the Russian Belbek airfield in Crimea, destroying the "radar control coordination facility bunker".

"This will almost certainly degrade Russia’s ability to coordinate air activity in the Black Sea region, increasing reliance and strain on the already on the already stretched A-50 MAINSTAY aircraft fleet, as well as an increasingly depleted pool of trained personnel available to direct air operations," the message says.

UK intelligence explained that Russian doctrine envisages a significant role for ground command posts to coordinate air forces, especially fighters, including in the context of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Given the need for action in Ukraine, UK intelligence suggested that "it is almost certain that Russian pilots and ground personnel alike are now suffering from combat fatigue."

"Any further strikes on critical coordination nodes in Crimea will almost certainly increase these pressures, creating a heightened possibility of mistake or miscalculation," the ministry noted.