Russia Hesitates to Use Key Weapon in Kursk for Fear of Self-Hit, Expert Says

• Experts note Russia’s hesitance to deploy glide bombs in Kursk.
• Ukrainian forces have intruded into Russian territory, creating a buffer zone, leaving Moscow struggling to respond effectively.
• Russian air control deficiencies hinder precise use of glide bombs, according to analysts.

Russia faces challenges in employing one of its most formidable weapons in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, according to military strategy experts. The complications stem from inadequate air control systems, making it difficult for Russian forces to ensure they do not inadvertently strike their own troops.

Despite its increasing use of glide bombs against Ukraine, Russia has not maximized this strategy against advancing Ukrainian forces in Kursk. Initially designed for precision strikes, these glide bombs can be launched from a distance, complicating interception efforts. The latest models weigh up to 6,600 pounds and are intended to deliver more destructive force.

Mark Cancian, a retired Marine Corps colonel and current advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, commented on Russia’s limited application of air power in the Kursk region. He believes that this restraint highlights their frail air control capabilities.

According to Cancian, U.S. and NATO forces possess sophisticated systems that facilitate coordination between aircraft and control centers to prevent friendly fire. In contrast, Russian capabilities appear to be lacking. “The U.S. is adept at minimizing risks, while the Russian system is not,” he explained.

Despite maneuvering more freely in Ukraine due to static frontline conditions, which allow for a more relaxed control system, the situation in Kursk seems to showcase a different approach. Cancian attributes this hesitance to Russia’s struggle to integrate air support in ground operations effectively.

In recent reports, Ukrainian officials noted the launch of 27 glide bombs by Russian forces in Kursk. However, this number pales compared to the extensive bombing campaign Russia is conducting in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that Russia utilized 750 glide bombs in just one week targeting cities and villages across Ukrainian territory.

This operational discrepancy becomes even clearer when juxtaposed with the daily operations in the neighboring Sumy region, where Russia has been launching around 50 glide bombs consistently. Rajan Menon, a senior research scholar at Columbia University’s Saltzman Institute for War and Peace Studies, reiterated this trend, stating that the Russian military’s engagement in Kursk is notably restrained compared to its rampage in Ukraine. “It’s their own territory,” Menon pointed out, highlighting the potential for civilian casualties.

George Barros, a military expert at the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War, remarked that blast effects in Kursk are significantly less destructive. The high-grade bombings seen in Ukraine do not extend into Russia’s own territories, suggesting that Russia’s strategic calculations are informed by a fear of domestic fallout.

Nonetheless, Ukraine is now leveraging glide bombs in its own operations against Russia within Kursk. Zelenskyy stated that this tactical move aims to establish a buffer zone to deter Russian threats against Ukraine. Analysts suggest that this could also serve to amplify the resolve of Ukrainian forces and draw attention to Russian vulnerabilities.

The outcome of the ongoing operations remains uncertain. However, experts agree that Ukraine’s recent maneuvers may signal a shift in momentum after a prolonged period of stagnation in territorial exchanges. Ukrainian forces appear to be reclaiming the initiative they lost in previous months.

In conclusion, the present situation in Kursk serves as a multifaceted battleground where both sides navigate a complex interplay of offensive and defensive strategies while grappling with the implications of weapon deployment and operational risks.

Source: Business Insider