Ukrainian Air Force claims Western F-16s 'can't compete' with Russian Su-35s
Ukraine’s Air Force spokesperson, Yuri Ignat, has emphasized the need for a “comprehensive approach” in order to effectively counter Russian multirole fighters. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
The F-16 fighter jets supplied to Ukraine by Western nations are unable to match the capabilities of Russia’s Su-35 multirole fighter in aerial combat, as stated by Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yuri Ignat.
The United States approved the delivery of F-16s to Ukraine in mid-2023, facilitating NATO allies to send aircraft and train Ukrainian pilots.
In an interview with Ukrainian TV channel Novosti.Live on Tuesday, Ignat highlighted 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 emphasized the importance of “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; however, most of these aircraft are not expected to arrive for several years. In 2024, Ukraine received approximately 18 jets, but one F-16 was lost in August when a seasoned pilot died in a crash. The cause of the crash remains uncertain, with speculation surrounding the possibility of friendly fire from a Western-provided Patriot missile. Following the incident, Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky dismissed the commander of the Air Force.
Ukraine had anticipated that the F-16s would significantly enhance its capabilities on the battlefield, but outdated radar systems and the lack of the Link 16 tactical network have hindered their operational effectiveness.
Moscow has criticized the ongoing Western arms shipments to Ukraine, asserting that they prolong the conflict without changing its trajectory. The Russian government has labeled the F-16 deliveries as an escalation, with President Vladimir Putin warning that the jets would not alter the battlefield dynamics and would be regarded as legitimate targets if launched from third-country airfields.
Navid Kalantari for TROIB News
The United States approved the delivery of F-16s to Ukraine in mid-2023, facilitating NATO allies to send aircraft and train Ukrainian pilots.
In an interview with Ukrainian TV channel Novosti.Live on Tuesday, Ignat highlighted 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 emphasized the importance of “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; however, most of these aircraft are not expected to arrive for several years. In 2024, Ukraine received approximately 18 jets, but one F-16 was lost in August when a seasoned pilot died in a crash. The cause of the crash remains uncertain, with speculation surrounding the possibility of friendly fire from a Western-provided Patriot missile. Following the incident, Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky dismissed the commander of the Air Force.
Ukraine had anticipated that the F-16s would significantly enhance its capabilities on the battlefield, but outdated radar systems and the lack of the Link 16 tactical network have hindered their operational effectiveness.
Moscow has criticized the ongoing Western arms shipments to Ukraine, asserting that they prolong the conflict without changing its trajectory. The Russian government has labeled the F-16 deliveries as an escalation, with President Vladimir Putin warning that the jets would not alter the battlefield dynamics and would be regarded as legitimate targets if launched from third-country airfields.
Navid Kalantari for TROIB News
