[baybal2]

Russia had a force for 240 to 260 thousand stationed across the border with Ukraine at the eve of February 24. They are a highly mechanised force, with more artillery firepower than of any NATO military except Turkey, and Greece.

It was only because Ukraine was uniquely prepared to give Russia a symmetric response using a lot of raw firepower, they managed to withstand their first attack wave.

If that force of 250 thousands would have rolled into Europe instead, you would've been fucked. Do you realise that?

[orwin]

They would have lost their air superiority in a day or two. We have at least 200 immediately available meteor, and they have 13 planes on which those wouldn't be fully effective (basically the NEZ would be less than 60km for their Su57. Maybe.) We also have hundreds of MICA NG, and tbh, even our old MICA would be enough for most of Russian aircraft.

And I'm not even talking about US missiles, who are probably better than MICA.

Without air support, I don't see how you invade Poland and cross rivers.

[baybal2]

Russia has world's biggest park of SAM systems.

Even if the combined NATO force would've sent all planes it had in Europe, it would not be physically enough to destroy 39000 pieces of armour, and vehicles.

Only land warfare would've been able to stall this iron ball before it overran airbases.