Russian civil aviation nearing collapse due to sanctions, Ukraine intelligence says

Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) has gained access to classified documents showing that Russia’s civil aviation sector “is on the verge of collapse” due to Western sanctions over the war in Ukraine. The obtained data includes a list of Rosaviatsia’s daily reports on incidents across Russia over the past 18 months. Analysis of the documents indicates that a number of malfunctions, especially those related to engines, landing gear, and wing mechanization, appear to be systemic, the GUR says. GUR sees the current situation as a direct result of Western sanctions, which have hit Russia’s aviation sector hard across several key areas. Aircraft and parts supply chains have been severed, leaving Russian airlines without access to new planes or replacement components needed for maintenance and repairs. US and European service providers have ended relationships with Russian carriers, cutting them off from crucial aircraft maintenance, inspections, and certification processes. Western aviation software companies refuse to update navigation databases, flight planning systems, and other critical software. Leased Russian aircraft operating internationally have been impounded abroad due to contract violations with sanctions-complying lessors. And Russian access to international meteorological aviation data that feeds navigation systems has been curtailed, posing risks to safety. Story has more.<br/>