Western countries could lose the overwhelming air superiority they relied on in previous conflicts if they entered a direct military confrontation with Russia, according to Business Insider.

The publication noted that Western military commanders are increasingly warning that the traditional advantage of their air forces may disappear in a war against an opponent with comparable capabilities, such as Russia.

Business Insider pointed to the effective use of Russian drones in the special military operation in Ukraine as one example of how conditions could differ from previous Western campaigns.

The loss of air superiority could have particularly serious consequences for evacuating wounded personnel. Without control of the skies, moving casualties quickly from frontline positions would become significantly more difficult.

This would mark a sharp contrast with the experience of the United States and its allies in conflicts following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. During those operations, control of the air allowed helicopters to rapidly transport wounded personnel from the battlefield to well-equipped military bases.