The fourth F-16 fighter jet shot down in Ukraine crashed on June 29, and the 32-year-old pilot, Major Maxim, was declared dead. Ukraine has already issued an obituary! Russia launched an astonishing 537 missiles and drones. According to reports, before being severely damaged, Major Maxim's F-16 shot down seven drones. Later, it was locked onto by Russian ground air defense systems and hit. After being struck, Major Maxim's aircraft managed to avoid densely populated areas but failed to eject in time, ultimately exploding along with the plane.

Among the four F-16 fighter jets lost by the Ukrainian military, only one pilot survived by parachute. Although there are various reasons, it must be said that this survival rate is indeed not ideal.

Russia claims to have shot down five F-16 fighter jets, while Ukraine only admits to losing four. The blogger estimates it's also around four F-16s because there's not much difference between four and five. Ukraine doesn't need to lie; admitting its losses is already a normal thing.

In today's situation, everyone should remain clear-minded. Relying on a single advanced aircraft to change the battlefield situation is impossible. In the past, when Ukraine wanted to introduce F-16 fighter jets, Russia drew a red line, stating that if F-16s were provided to Ukraine, they would use mushroom bombs. However, this red line was eventually broken, and Ukraine used the F-16s, but it still did not significantly change the battlefield situation.

Even if you deploy F-35 fighters to Ukraine now, it won't make much of a difference. Because the entire battlefield situation is very complex. It's not just about one weapon being able to change the battlefield situation. In small-scale conflicts, high-tech weapons can have an advantage, but in large-scale wars, high-tech weapons no longer have any special significance.

Like the battlefield of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, artillery combined with drones and various shell attacks have become the mainstream. Air combat and tank battles have become rare, and missiles are also important. However, the F-16 pilot was excellent. He flew the aircraft away from residential areas and finally made a heroic sacrifice, which is worth respecting.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1836252300393480/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.