The US intelligence community estimates Ukrainian forces have shot down 55 Russian fixed-wing aircraft since the start of the Russian invasion of the nation in February, averaging nearly two per week, Politico reports.
Air Forces in Europe and Africa commander Gen. James Hecker told reporters at the annual Air Force Association conference that using older Russian-made air defense systems, the Ukrainians have been able to limit Russian air forces ability to support ground operations, allowing Ukrainian forces to neutralize a once-believed Russian tactical advantage.
Hecker noted that the US has been supplying Ukraine with time-sensitive intelligence allowing it to target the current locations of enemy troops. The US, however, has declined providing the Ukrainians with long-range missiles that could hit deep inside Russia for fear that would lead to an escalation by the Kremlin.