How will Russia and Ukraine fight?, The sky is cold and the earth is frozen, and winter is approaching
The conflict between Russia-Ukraine conflict is still ongoing. In order to make a breakthrough in the counter offensive as soon as possible, Ukraine has recently continuously adjusted its deployment in terms of weapons, equipment, tactics, etc.
Recently, the first batch of Leopard 1 tanks donated by Denmark and other countries to Ukraine arrived in Ukraine; On September 13th, Swedish media reported that Ukrainian pilots were receiving training on the operation and maintenance of the Gripen fighter jet in Sweden; Ukrainian President Zelensky has loudly announced that Ukraine has developed long-range weapons with a range of 700 kilometers. In addition, senior Ukrainian officials have stated that although the counterattack is progressing slowly, it still needs to continue.
US Air to Air Missile Assistance to Ukraine
Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Ignati recently confirmed that the US Department of Defense is purchasing AIM-120 medium range air-to-air missiles to support Ukraine. This type of missile has a range of 160 to 180 kilometers, which is sufficient to hit Russian aircraft without entering enemy air defense zones.
Military observer Cao Weidong believes that if future F-16 and "Eagle Lion" fighter jets are equipped with AIM-120 medium range air-to-air missiles to participate in combat, it can to some extent enhance Ukraine's long-range strike capabilities.
Cao Weidong:
NATO is currently training F-16 fighter pilots for Ukraine, and may also provide Swedish Gripen light fighter jets in the future.
The F-16 and Eagle Lion are both aircraft competing for air superiority. There are different types of AIM-120 medium range air to air missiles, with the main difference being in range. The farther the range, the more advantageous it is. For example, the AIM-120D missile has a range of up to 160 kilometers, which is further than the range of typical regional air defense missiles.
Ukraine's self-developed long-range weapons
Ukrainian President Zelensky previously confirmed reports that Ukraine has developed long-range weapons. It is said that this weapon can hit targets 700 kilometers away.
In addition, former Ukrainian Defense Minister Leznikov stated that Ukraine is developing cruise missiles with a range of about 2000 kilometers to strike deep targets within Russian territory.
Military observer Cao Weidong believes that the number of long-range weapons provided by the West to Ukraine is relatively small, and Ukraine can only rely on two legs: "independent research and development+receiving assistance".
Cao Weidong:
Now, in the war with Russia, Ukraine needs more long-range weapons to reduce casualties.
NATO uses the Russian Ukrainian battlefield as a testing ground to test the performance of weapons and equipment, and does not provide weapons and equipment based on Ukraine's combat needs, so the number of long-range equipment to aid Ukraine is relatively small. Ukraine feels that it has more than enough heart and less than enough strength, so it needs to produce a part of it on its own.
Tank battle is imminent
Recently, about 200 Ukrainian soldiers completed training on the Abrams main battle tank at the US military training ground in Germany. Ten American made Abrams tanks are undergoing final repairs in Germany and will be shipped to Ukraine in mid month. The first batch of 10 Leopard 1 tanks donated by Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands have arrived in Ukraine.
Military observer Cao Weidong predicts that the current rainy season has passed, and the tank battle between Russia and Ukraine will become increasingly fierce in the future.
Cao Weidong:
The West is providing tanks to Ukraine in order for them to take the lead in the counterattack. It's already autumn now, and as winter approaches, the ground becomes harder, making it suitable for heavy tanks and armored vehicles to pass through.
The counterattack will continue
On September 9th, Budanov, Director of the Intelligence Agency of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, stated that Ukraine will continue its counterattack after the arrival of cold and humid weather this year. On September 10th, the Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mili, warned that Ukraine's counterattack plan only had six weeks left, and subsequent weather changes would hinder its counterattack.
Another analysis suggests that Ukraine's counterattack is about to be forced to end without achieving practical results.
Military observer Cao Weidong judged that Ukraine's counterattack has not entered the final stage, but the tactical approach will be adjusted in the future.
Cao Weidong:
The counterattack did not enter the final stage because the United States and NATO did not allow Ukraine to come to an end. At present, Ukraine has a shortage of troops, and the tactics clearly need to be adjusted from a major "defense" to a minor "attack". It is necessary to tear open a gap in the opponent's defense line and then push forward. There are three breakthroughs: one is Moscow, the capital of Russia in the deep region, one is the Crimean Bridge in the sea direction, and the other is Bakhmut in the eastern region of Ukraine.
