Ukraine Needs More Attack Aircraft Like American A-10s and Attack Helicopters
The Commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrskyi, said in an exclusive interview with Reuters.
“I would talk about A-10s as an option if they’ll be given to us … this is not a new machine, but a reliable one that has proven itself in many wars, and which has a wide array of weapons for destroying land targets to help the infantry,” Syrskyi said.
Read more: USA to Retire the A-10 Thunderbolt – What is the Prospect for Ukraine
Ukraine’s Ground Forces Commander added that the A-10 Thunderbolt would provide crucial support for ground forces as they attempt to seize the initiative against a well-resourced enemy.
“It is for destroying land-based targets: tanks, artillery … everything that counters the infantry,” he said.
Sirskyi added that attack helicopters such as the AH-64 Apache and AH-1 Super Cobra, as well as the UH-60 Black Hawk, could also play an important role.
As well as calls for more aircraft, Ukraine has asked allies to speed up the supply of artillery ammunition, which some units have complained is running short.
While drones are increasingly influential on the battlefield, artillery is a mainstay for both armies, and Ukraine is having to balance its use of various caliber shells based on the available supply.
“We have developed an expertise with this and adjust to our daily realities,” Syrskyi said.
Read more: Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrskyi Visited the Combat Brigades of the Eastern Group