Russia's next attack may be 'more brutal', RAF chief says

Russia’s next attack may be ‘more brutal’, RAF chief says

Apr 07, 2022

The war in Ukraine is in a “precarious” phase with the Russian military “resetting and positioning” ahead of what may be an “even more brutal” campaign, according to the head of the Royal Air Force.

Air Chief Marshall Sir Mike Wigton told Sky News: “Everything from our intelligence tells us that Russia is repositioning for another attack.

“Potentially it will be even more brutal, even more barbaric, even more illegal than what we’ve already seen”, he said.

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“The Russians are resetting and there is every expectation they are going to come back and Ukraine is going to feel the full brunt of what Russia will bear.”

The Chief of the Air Staff said RAF personnel were ready to transport armoured vehicles on transporter aircraft to the country if ministers approve such support: “I am ready with the Royal Air Force to do whatever our government decides is necessary to support Ukraine.”

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The comments follow reports in The Times that plans are being drawn up to send protected patrol vehicles, such as the Mastiff, to help the Ukrainian military to advance towards Russian lines.

In response to suggestions that the West should arm Ukrainians with anti-ship missiles to keep control of the Black Sea coast, Sir Mike said such weapons were “under consideration” but deferred to political leaders.

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Air Chief Marshall Wigton defended the UK against claims it had been slow to develop hypersonic weapons.

“I wouldn’t say that we are behind,” he said.

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“We have some very interesting technical programmes already under way.”

In October, the US confirmed China had conducted a test of a hypersonic missile.

Earlier this week the US, UK and Australia announced a joint attempt to develop the high-speed weapons to counter Russia and China.

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