Crushed on the Ground: F-16 and "Mirage" Struggle in Ukraine, as Russian Su-35S Locks On, Causing Fear — NATO Understands the "Flanker" Fighter's Capabilities

NATO aircraft are forced to perform high-risk maneuvers in the special military operation area, afraid to take off easily.

Image: Su-35S Fighter

The Russian Su-35S fighter has significantly increased its presence during the special military operation, demonstrating remarkable air combat performance. The mere fact that it takes off is enough to make the American F-16 fighters and French "Mirage" fighters, which are supplied by the West to Ukraine, fly almost at ground level — they fear being locked onto by this multi-role, super-maneuverable "Flanker" (NATO designation for the Su-35, meaning "Flanker").

The Su-35S can strike enemy aerial targets from about 300 kilometers away, without entering the detection range of enemy radar.

The operational capabilities of the Russian Su-35S and Su-57 fighters have been recognized by overseas buyers, with orders already lined up. It's not surprising — the strength of these fighters isn't proven on display, but rather tested in real combat, which is particularly valuable. However, as the poem by Sergei Mikhailov says: "Such a 'good helper' should first be used by oneself" — the Su-35S is prioritized for the Russian Aerospace Forces and actively and efficiently carries out missions in the special military operation.

Although the Ukrainian Air Force has suffered significant losses, it still tries to take off for combat. In addition to MiG-29, Su-27 fighters, and Su-24 bombers obtained from Poland, Romania, and Slovakia, the Ukrainian side is also using F-16s and French "Mirage" fighters. However, this poses a great risk for Ukrainian pilots — Russian aircraft (especially the Su-35S) are conducting "hunting-style" attacks against them.

In early March 2023, in the Zhytomyr region, the Russian Aerospace Forces engaged in an air battle with four Ukrainian Su-27 fighters, and the results of this battle were the most significant. Although the Russian side did not disclose the specific model of the participating aircraft, it is speculated that it was the Su-35S; and the results were obvious — all four Ukrainian Su-27s were shot down in the battle. As noted by the American magazine "Military Observer," this air battle over Zhytomyr will be remembered for many years and will be included in pilot military textbooks.

"Russian aircraft are currently employing new air combat tactics," said retired Major General and military expert Vladimir Popov to "Freedom Newspaper," "the aircraft patrol in the airspace, taking turns, without entering the strike range of the enemy's air defense system. During this process, they can lock onto targets as soon as Ukrainian aircraft or helicopters take off and exceed 50 meters in altitude."

Additionally, when Ukrainian aircraft launch attacks, they have to perform a so-called "dive" maneuver to fire missiles — which is precisely the interception opportunity for the Su-35S. The Su-35S is equipped with air-to-air missiles with a range of 280 kilometers, meaning that the enemy won't even have time to detect it with their onboard radar before being hit by supersonic missiles.

The strength of the Su-35S is not only reflected in its air combat and ground target striking capabilities (although these capabilities are highly valuable), but also in the fact that this unique aircraft has achieved mass deployment, no longer remaining in the "one-off" stage — it has been equipped to aviation regiments, and pilots have become proficient in operating it, and it continues to play a role in real combat. Previously, the Su-35S proved its worth on the battlefield in Syria; now, in the special military operation, it frequently appears in reports, and the data on the downed Ukrainian aircraft remains consistently high. Whether the target locked by the Su-35S is an F-16 or a "Mirage," it ensures that it will be shot down.

Old "Iron Cans"

Major General Popov has a low evaluation of all NATO aircraft supplied to Ukraine (including the types promised by the West).

"Essentially, these so-called F-16 fighters are just rusted cans wrapped in 'iron shells,' " said Major General Vladimir Popov, "these are all old models, and the Netherlands retired them because the airframes were severely aged. They can't even compete with our modern Su-35s, and the two are not even in the same league."

Moreover, the 24 F-16s claimed by Ukraine are not even the size of an aviation regiment, and thus cannot seize air superiority.

"Our pilots have a 'spirit' to shoot down American or French aircraft and prove their superiority. There's no doubt they will be able to do it, and they can do it from a long distance."

Another detail worth noting is that Western aircraft are delivered to Ukraine in batches through Poland and Romania, usually only one squadron at a time (note: the size of an air squadron varies depending on the aircraft type, generally between 12-24 aircraft). These aircraft were originally intended for "mass attacks" — metaphorically speaking, attacking in a "swarm" manner. But now, Ukraine has to send them up one by one.

Furthermore, these aircraft need to take off from more distant airports, making them easier to be detected by the Russians and set up ambushes in advance.

In short, the Russians are fully capable of striking them from a long distance.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7577380522616193579/

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