Russian $50M stealth jet DOWNED over Moscow is sign that Putin’s air defences are failing

Moscow's Air Defense Vulnerabilities [0:00]

• Muscovites are complaining about the capital city's inability to be protected.
• Russia has moved advanced air defense systems, like the Pantsir, from front lines to protect Moscow.
• Moscow experiences frequent, almost daily, drone attacks.

  "There are real issues one can see with the air defence in Moscow."

Ukrainian Drone Attacks and Tactics [1:00]

• Oil refineries and petrol stations around Moscow have been attacked and destroyed.
• Ukraine has attacked warehouses providing key equipment for Russian forces.
• Ukraine is firing hundreds of drones daily at Moscow, with Russia reportedly shooting down 60-70%.

  "And at the moment, you know, quite admittedly, Ukraine is firing hundreds of drones a day at Moscow."

Electronic Warfare and Friendly Fire Concerns [2:00]

• Ukraine is clever at masking the electronic signatures of drones.
• Some drones are made to appear electronically larger than they are.
• There's a possibility that drones are mimicking the signature of an Su-57, confusing air defense.

  "And it's not beyond the bounds of possibility that some of these drones are showing electronic signature of, say, an Su-57, so confusing the air defense and actually making them, as we've seen, possibly shooting down one of their own primary aircraft."

Kremlin's Silence and Propaganda Breakdown [3:00]

• The Kremlin has not extensively commented on these incidents, likely due to lack of a satisfactory explanation.
• Possible explanations for aircraft loss include friendly fire, Ukrainian attack, or mechanical failure of the Su-57.
• Pro-Russian military bloggers are reporting these incidents as friendly fire, which is seen as significant.

  "And the fact we haven't heard an awful lot of it coming out of the Kremlin is because there's probably not an awful lot they can say."

Public Perception and Economic Strain [4:00]

• The situation is causing public anxiety, with fears of being shot down by their own air defense.
• There are questions in Russia about whether the war is worth the cost.
• Fuel is scarce and expensive, and the cost of living is rising.

  "And, you know, any drone that gets through is seen as a failure."

Cost-Effectiveness of Drones vs. Manned Aircraft [5:00]

• Thousands of drones can be purchased for the cost of one Su-57.
• Manned aircraft are vulnerable and easily shot down in the Ukraine war.
• Losing an expensive aircraft like the Su-57 is a significant financial blow, especially with Russia's economy in decline.

  "But if you've got these aircraft that are 100 million dollars a go, then, you know, it is hugely significant."

Broader Implications for Russian Military Capability [6:00]

• This single event has massive ramifications throughout the Kremlin and Moscow.
• Regions with less air defense than Moscow will also be questioning their security.
• The incident highlights a potential breakdown in Russia's military capability, especially in electronic defense.

  "So I think the whole thing is is is a really major, major piece."

Outdated Military Technology [7:00]

• Russia appears to be fighting a war with outdated technology, resembling WWI trench warfare.
• They are not fully grasping the sophistication of drones and electronic warfare employed by Ukraine.
• Russia continues to invest in expensive, high-profile equipment like the Su-57, rather than adapting to modern warfare.

  "It would appear that Russia is not quite so sophisticated. And actually, when we look at the Russian military compared to Western militaries and the Ukraine military, you know, you do draw the conclusion that Russian military is very much, you know, out of date."