Ukraine’s drone strike on Russian strategic aviation – using drones driven into the country on trucks, which were then delivered to sites near Russian air bases and deployed to decimate roughly a third of Russia’s strategic bomber fleet – is not only a historic moment in warfare, but it also benefits Canada and our allies.
Ukraine destroyed many of the planes Russia uses to threaten Canada
If you look into NORAD intercepts of Russian planes skirting Canadian and American airspace over the decades, you’ll notice one aircraft mentioned repeatedly: The TU-95 ‘Bear’:
The 50s-era bomber is not much to look at, but it forms the mainstay of Russia’s strategic bomber fleet. With a range of 15,000 KM and capable of carrying nuclear-armed cruise missiles, the TU-95 plays a key role in Russia’s ability to threaten other nations, including Canada and our allies.
The Soviet Union originally built roughly 500, and Russia operates 55. Or ‘operated’, as up to 12 were destroyed by Ukraine’s recent strikes. As noted by 19fortyfive, Russia cannot replace the lost aircraft:
“Tu-95 bombers and other similar Russian strategic aircraft, such as the Tu-22M3 Backfire, are impossible to replace due to the closure of their production lines following the collapse of the USSR.
This means that any losses of existing Tu-95s and other bombers cannot be immediately replaced with new aircraft of the same type. The old Tu-95 Bears are expected to stay in service until at least 2040. However, due to delays in the next bomber, that time may be extended even further.”
Thus, each destroyed Russian strategic bomber is a bomber that cannot be used to threaten Canada and our allies.
Of course, Ukraine had different – and much better – reasons for wanting the TU-95s destroyed. Russia has been using those bombers in their brutal attacks on Ukrainian civilians, and each bomber destroyed means the protection of innocent lives.
That said, it’s notable how what is good for Ukraine is also good for Canada. This is a reminder that Canada is supporting Ukraine not only because it’s the right thing to do, but also because it is in our national interest. Russia views Canada with hostility, regularly threatens our nation and our allies, and poses a risk to Canadian sovereignty in the North. Russia also seeks to promote extremists and undermine our national cohesion.
By standing with Ukraine, we not only help to stop Russia from becoming more powerful, but we also deepen our opportunity to learn from Ukrainian military innovation, absorbing lessons that will be key to defending Canada in the years ahead.
Ukrainians are paying the price in lives as they fight for their freedom against Russia’s illegal invasion, and as they do so, they are fighting on behalf of Canada and all free nations. By destroying Russian TU-95s, Ukraine has helped to make Canada and our allies safer.
Canada should build on this shift in the strategic balance by expanding our support for Ukraine, and beginning to design and construct long-range strategic bombing drones, ensuring we can deliver advanced weapons over a long range – something essential to dissuading infringement upon our vast territory.
Spencer Fernando
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