The Ghosts of Dnipro: Ukraine’s 114th Tactical Aviation Brigade Fights On
War. It’s a dirty, ugly business. I’ve seen it firsthand in Iraq and Afghanistan. The videos you’re about to see offer a glimpse into another kind of war, a war for survival being fought by the Ukrainian people, and in the skies, by the pilots of the 114th Tactical Aviation Brigade. These clips, spanning from the invasion’s early days to recent counteroffensives, show these men and women hitting Russian positions, dodging cluster munitions, and somehow, miraculously, still flying. They show a resilience, a goddamn stubborn refusal to give up, that resonates deep in my bones. These aren’t just machines of war; these are pilots fighting for their homes, for their families, for their very existence. This page pulls together accounts of their struggle, their victories, and their losses – a testament to their courage in the face of overwhelming odds.
Key Takeaways: Hammer and Anvil
- Holding the Line: Even early in the war, in February 2022, the 114th was a target, hammered at Ivano-Frankivsk airfield. They took the hits and kept flying.
- Precision Strikes: The 114th isn’t just flying sorties; they’re hitting hard. The November 2024 video shows a MiG-29 using guided bombs (GBU-39s – nasty little things) to take out Russian positions. This speaks to their training, their skill, and their ability to adapt.
- Constant Threat: The attack on Dnipro airport in April 2024 is a chilling reminder of the constant danger these pilots face. Cluster munitions – those are indiscriminate killers meant to spread fear and destruction. Yet, they are still flying.
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- More than Machines: The September 2024 videos humanize these pilots. We see the MiG-29s, but we also sense the spirit, the pride, and the sheer will of the Ukrainians to keep fighting.
David vs. Goliath: The Future of the 114th
The 114th Tactical Aviation Brigade is outgunned and outmanned, yet they hold on. They remind me of the scrappy units I served with in Afghanistan, always one step ahead, relying on guts and innovation. The continued use of older airframes like the MiG-29, alongside reports of newer weapons systems, shows a force maximizing what they have while striving for better capabilities. The key to their survival, and perhaps Ukraine’s victory, lies in their adaptability, their spirit, and the continued support from international allies. The longer this war grinds on, the more crucial their role becomes in disrupting Russian supply lines, providing close air support, and keeping the hope of a free Ukraine alive.
Bearing Witness
These videos are more than just clips of fighter jets; they’re snapshots of courage under fire, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Scroll down. Watch these highlights. Remember these pilots. Remember their fight. Remember Ukraine.
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