Tires serve as a form of protection. However, ground operation personnel use fewer tires on operational planes, so they can quickly replace them. Those not operative have way more tires since they are not going to be moved anytime soon.

Tyres on planes in Olenya? WTF? They expect little drones to fly there? Something's odd with that reasoning of theirs.

I think this is a general rule someone in their high command came up to, and they need to obey. But since they cannot cover each plane they use of useless tire they ended up covering only those they do not use.

Thanks Daniele. It does indicate the very rigid top-down structure of the ruzzian armed forces and why they will never have an efficient NCO class. Even their push-based delivery of supplies indicates this top-down rigidity. "Commanders: We know best, no input required". Now tyres on jets... 😁