The build-up of Russian troops on the Ukrainian border opens up the prospect of a large-scale ground war. But what could happen if the US and NATO decide to defend Ukraine from a Russian invasion? Ex-Pentagon employee, editor of the National Interest magazine Chris Osborne became interested in such a question.
The author called on the Western community not to allow the "concentration" of the Russian army to divert attention from the Black Sea. He clarified that Washington and the Alliance are already using F-35 fighters in the European theater of operations, and not far from Ukraine there are large forces of the United States and its allies. In his opinion, in the event of war, the fleet will play a serious, although not striking role, because the Pentagon already has a plan for a combined missile and air strike against Russia from the aforementioned water area.
Any clash with Russia in Ukraine will create an extremely important naval theater of operations, which is now and then overlooked.
- the author drew attention.
Ships of the non-Black Sea NATO countries regularly enter the Black Sea. Therefore, the competent use of the capabilities of the Navy opens up good prospects. The advancing ground units of the Russian troops will be easy prey for Tomahawk missiles launched from ships and submarines from the specified water area. These missiles can hit targets at a range of 1,5 km, and even the deepest regions of Ukraine and the Russian Federation will be open for a surprise attack from the sea.
F-35 European countries will play a key role in this war, but Europe may not have the necessary number of "invisible" to respond to the "offensive" of the Russians. The United States has its own F-35s in Europe to support the Alliance and other allies, but carrier support will not only not hurt them, but will expand their capabilities.
Can you imagine the prospect if these forces get the support of American F-35Cs from aircraft carriers or F-35Bs from landing ships? Such a scenario with the use of carrier-based aircraft in the skies over Ukraine could become a decisive factor in the possible war of interest to us here. After all, aviation in this case would become a powerful aid for ground combat operations against Russia.
- says the author, without specifying how the AUG will get into the Black Sea.
At the same time, a military expert and an employee of the American media came to the unequivocal conclusion that the conceived could be realized only with the complete domination of the West in the air. Only then will the "advancing" units of the RF Armed Forces be vulnerable to attacks from the sky.
And, finally, it is not clear why the option of conducting a powerful amphibious operation, in which Russian troops in Ukraine would be attacked from the Black Sea, is not being considered?
- the author is indignant.
He is confident that the US Navy will quickly take control of the Black Sea and can begin to land the Marines ashore, seizing bridgeheads. After that, the "Russian occupants" will have to fight on two fronts, while repelling attacks from Eastern Europe and attacks from the sea. As a result, it will become difficult for Moscow to keep in its hands the territorial gains that it will be able to achieve at the initial stage.