If Ukraine hadn’t been equipped with the Russian built S-300 air defence system at the start of the special military operation, it would been over long ago with Ukrainian troops defeated on the ground by carpet bombing. Most of Ukraine’s air defence systems have been knocked out after the first year, but it is unknown how many NATO systems have been provided since, and Russia’s air force is careful not to expose itself to unknown risks.
The Russians have adapted older heavy or fat bombs to use against entrenched and fortified positions, bu strapping on gliding capability and guidance systems that can deliver them with pin point accuracy up to 40 kilometres. These have been used with devastating effect against entrenched positions in Avdiivka resulting in a rapidly closing pincer movement around the town.
If the power of the Russian air force could be released, the war would be over very quickly. Air defence against aircraft from NATO has held up the process. The development of the glider/remote targeting strap on to the old Soviet fat bombs meantime has given the Russians a way at last to deal with entrenched positions where air defence is not an issue. If Ukrainian/NATO air defence systems are held back from the front lines due to the threat of kamikaze drones, the air force can start to play a pivotal roll.