I assume they need some minimum number to fortify the rest of the border, so I wonder what amount they can actually lose before theor border readiness degrades.
Unless there is an actual offensive going on, these are not really needed. They are attack aircraft (short-range air-to-ground missiles and rockets, small bombs and cannons, etc.), not interceptors or aerial combat fighters. Their air-to-air capability is largely non-existent, and strictly defensive. Russia may use some in Syria, but Ukraine would be their main theatre at the moment.
I assume they need some minimum number to fortify the rest of the border, so I wonder what amount they can actually lose before theor border readiness degrades.
Unless there is an actual offensive going on, these are not really needed. They are attack aircraft (short-range air-to-ground missiles and rockets, small bombs and cannons, etc.), not interceptors or aerial combat fighters. Their air-to-air capability is largely non-existent, and strictly defensive. Russia may use some in Syria, but Ukraine would be their main theatre at the moment.