Ukrainian Air Force Claims Western F-16s ‘can’t compete’ with Russian Su-35s
Ukraine's Air Force spokesperson Yuri Ignat emphasized the necessity of a “comprehensive approach” in efforts to address the threat posed by Russian multirole fighters. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
According to a spokesperson for Ukraine's Air Force, the US-made F-16 fighter jets that have been delivered to Kiev do not possess the cutting-edge technology necessary to effectively compete with Russia's Su-35 multirole fighter in aerial combat.
In mid-2023, Washington authorized the delivery of F-16s to Ukraine, enabling NATO allies to send jets and provide training for Ukrainian pilots.
During an interview with the Ukrainian TV channel Novosti.Live on Tuesday, Air Force spokesperson Yuri Ignat emphasized that “the modifications that Ukraine has cannot compete one-on-one in an air battle. We need a comprehensive approach as the [Russian] Su-35 is a relatively new jet…” He continued, “This includes ground-based air defense, electronic warfare systems, and ideally, an airborne radar. Also crucial are onboard radars for our aircraft and air-to-air missiles.”
Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway have committed to supplying Ukraine with a total of 80 F-16s, although most of these aircraft will not arrive for several years. In 2024, Ukraine received approximately 18 aircraft, but one F-16 was lost in August when a veteran pilot died in a crash. The circumstances surrounding the crash are unclear, with speculation suggesting it could have involved friendly fire from a Western-provided Patriot missile. Following this incident, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky dismissed the commander of the Air Force.
While Kiev had hoped that the F-16s would be a game-changer on the battlefield, the effectiveness of the jets has been hampered by outdated radar systems and the lack of the Link 16 tactical network.
Moscow has condemned the delivery of Western arms to Ukraine, arguing that they prolong the conflict without changing its trajectory. Additionally, Russian President Vladimir Putin has characterized the F-16 deliveries as an escalation and asserted that the jets would not alter the battlefield situation, warning that Moscow would regard them as legitimate targets if launched from third-country airfields.
Frederick R Cook contributed to this report for TROIB News
In mid-2023, Washington authorized the delivery of F-16s to Ukraine, enabling NATO allies to send jets and provide training for Ukrainian pilots.
During an interview with the Ukrainian TV channel Novosti.Live on Tuesday, Air Force spokesperson Yuri Ignat emphasized that “the modifications that Ukraine has cannot compete one-on-one in an air battle. We need a comprehensive approach as the [Russian] Su-35 is a relatively new jet…” He continued, “This includes ground-based air defense, electronic warfare systems, and ideally, an airborne radar. Also crucial are onboard radars for our aircraft and air-to-air missiles.”
Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway have committed to supplying Ukraine with a total of 80 F-16s, although most of these aircraft will not arrive for several years. In 2024, Ukraine received approximately 18 aircraft, but one F-16 was lost in August when a veteran pilot died in a crash. The circumstances surrounding the crash are unclear, with speculation suggesting it could have involved friendly fire from a Western-provided Patriot missile. Following this incident, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky dismissed the commander of the Air Force.
While Kiev had hoped that the F-16s would be a game-changer on the battlefield, the effectiveness of the jets has been hampered by outdated radar systems and the lack of the Link 16 tactical network.
Moscow has condemned the delivery of Western arms to Ukraine, arguing that they prolong the conflict without changing its trajectory. Additionally, Russian President Vladimir Putin has characterized the F-16 deliveries as an escalation and asserted that the jets would not alter the battlefield situation, warning that Moscow would regard them as legitimate targets if launched from third-country airfields.
Frederick R Cook contributed to this report for TROIB News
