The recent Ukrainian drone strike on Russia’s strategic bomber fleet has sparked worries about the vulnerability of US aircraft at bases in the homeland and abroad. Gen. David Allvin, the US Air Force chief of staff, described the situation as an “eyebrow-raising moment,” acknowledging that the US is susceptible to similar attacks. According to Allvin, the lack of hardened shelters for US warplanes makes them vulnerable to airstrikes, including drone attacks.
Thomas Shugart, an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, echoed this concern, stating, “There is no sanctuary even in the US homeland – particularly given that our bases back home are essentially completely unhardened.” Retired US Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal also emphasized the vulnerability of US assets, saying, “We are pretty vulnerable. We’ve got a lot of high-value assets that are extraordinarily expensive.”
The Ukrainian attack destroyed or damaged at least 12 Russian planes, with initial reports suggesting 41 aircraft were hit, including strategic bombers and surveillance planes. The operation used drones smuggled into Russian territory, hidden in wooden mobile houses atop trucks. This tactic highlights the potential for similar attacks on US soil, where bomber bases are often located inland but remain accessible to vehicles.
The US faces a budget dilemma in deciding whether to invest in defensive measures, such as hardened shelters, or prioritize offensive capabilities. Allvin noted that hardened shelters are essential but often overlooked in budget allocations. “If all we are doing is playing defense and can’t shoot back, then that’s not a good use of our money,” he said. A hardened shelter costs around $30 million, significantly less than the $700 million price tag for a new B-21 bomber or the $300 million cost of the proposed F-47 stealth fighter.
In comparison, China has invested heavily in protecting its aircraft, with over 650 hardened shelters at airfields within 1,150 miles of the Taiwan Strait. The US could potentially force China to divert funds to defense by improving its strike capabilities in Asia. Shugart and Timothy Walton argue that this approach would likely prompt China to spend more on passive and active defense measures, reducing its investment in strike capabilities.
The US needs to reassess its priorities and allocate resources effectively to address the growing threat of drone attacks. As McChrystal pointed out, protecting bases and monitoring surrounding areas is crucial in mitigating these threats. The situation demands a comprehensive strategy to safeguard US assets and interests.