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Ukrainian pilots plead for F-16s as they struggle to contain Russian aviation

21 June 2023 12:12 (UTC +04:00)

Two Ukrainian jets roar just above the trees, flying in formation as they make their way toward the front lines of Ukraine’s counteroffensive, APA reports citing CNN.

The Soviet-era Su-25s glide slowly, loudly, spewing thick black smoke as they go. They seem to hug the ground — flying as low as possible to avoid Russian radars, air defenses and more importantly, enemy jets.

The Su-25s are ancient aircraft, first introduced in the 1980s, and they’re no match for Russia’s Su-35s and their advanced radars and long-range missiles.

One of the main issues Kyiv’s ground forces have faced as the counteroffensive gets underway is Russian air power holding them back. Russia still maintains air superiority, which makes it difficult for ground forces to advance.

“Their aviation works in waves, as it was in Vietnam, Afghanistan,” says a deputy battalion commander with the 128 Separate Territorial Defense Brigade. “Continuously, all day long, they work either by helicopters or by airplanes,” says the commander, who goes by the call sign “Spas.” “In general, aviation support is sorely lacking.”

In total, Ukraine has received 45 Su-25s and Mig-29s from NATO and allied nations in Europe — but it’s not just a numbers game. A Mig-29 pilot, with the call sign “Juice,” acknowledges the difficulties facing the Ukrainian air force and says Western nations could help by providing Ukraine with the coveted F-16s.