As the crisis in Ukraine continues to develop, international military attention is increasing. Especially in the field of fighters, the showdown between the F-16 and the Su-35S became a topic of attention. This aerial contest is not only a contest of technology and force, but also a contest of tactical wisdom and international politics.
Recently, the Netherlands announced that it would provide Ukraine with 18 F-16AM Block 20 MLU fighter jets, a move that symbolizes the West's military support for Ukraine. In addition, Denmark, Belgium and Norway will also provide 61 F-16 fighter jets. The arrival of these fighters will undoubtedly strengthen the strength of the Ukrainian Air Force. The Ukrainian side welcomed this and looked forward to improving its air-tactical layout with the F-16.
However, in the face of the Su-35S of the Russian Air Force, the situation is not one-sided. According to Forbes magazine, the F-16 obtained by Ukraine belongs to the early model, which has problems such as aging of the airframe. Despite being armed with AIM-120B and AIM-120C-5 air-to-air missiles, its outdated AN APG-66 (V) 2 radar system limits its combat effectiveness. In contrast, the Russian Su-35S are armed with R-37M URVB and R-77-1 (RVV-SD) missiles, which provide a clear advantage in long-range combat.
The challenges of the Ukrainian Air Force are not limited to hardware. NATO military experts note that the effective use of the F-16 requires complex tactical and technical operations, which the Ukrainian army lacks. Ukrainian pilots, who have lacked combat training for many years, may find it difficult to meet the challenges of modern air combat. In addition, the high maintenance requirements and technical complexity of the F-16 also pose logistical challenges for Ukraine.
Western military experts have proposed a coordinated tactic: to use AWACS aircraft from neighboring countries to provide intelligence support to Ukraine in order to enhance the combat effectiveness of the F-16. This "hit-and-run" tactic is designed to exploit the F-16's mobility and firepower advantages and reduce risk. In addition, in order to reduce the risk of the F-16 being detected and struck by the Russian army, it is proposed to deploy it in civilian warehouses near the western airfield.
However, there are also risks associated with this combination of tactics. Russia may view NATO's military deployment as a provocation, which could lead to further escalation. The United States and NATO must also consider possible risks and challenges when considering support for Ukraine. The most critical question is how Russia perceives the involvement of NATO warplanes. Any action that poses a threat to its security could provoke a strong reaction from Russia.
To sum up, the showdown between the F-16 and the Su-35S is not only a technical competition, but also a combination of tactical wisdom and political considerations. In this complex air contest, every decision may affect the course of the war and the balance of international relations. Although the introduction of the F-16 has given Ukraine hope, it still has many challenges to face when facing modern fighters such as the Su-35S. In this uncertain chess game, how the future of the Ukrainian Air Force will develop is still full of uncertainties.
In addition, the F-16 fighter, although it may be slightly inferior to the Su-35S in some respects, still has significant advantages in terms of flexibility and versatility. The F-16 is designed with a focus on multi-mission combat capabilities, allowing it to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, which is especially important in a volatile battlefield environment. In addition, the F-16's upgrade potential cannot be ignored, and its combat capabilities can be greatly improved through modernization.
However, technology and equipment are only part of the military strength, and the actual combat effectiveness of the Ukrainian Air Force will also depend on the level of training and combat experience of its pilots. To this end, in addition to providing hardware support, Western countries are also considering providing pilot training and tactical guidance for Ukraine. This support will help Ukrainian pilots better understand and apply the advanced capabilities of the F-16, improving its survival rate and combat effectiveness in actual combat.
At the international political level, the supply of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine is not only a military aid, but also a political signal. This action demonstrates Western support for Ukraine and sends a clear message to Russia: Western countries will not ignore Ukraine's plight. Although this support has exacerbated international tensions to a certain extent, it also reflects the determination of the international community to maintain regional security and support the right of sovereign States to self-defence.
In the end, the contest between the F-16 and the Su-35S is not just an air battle, it is also a manifestation of international power confrontation, political will and strategic decision-making. In this complex and ever-changing aerial duel, every sortie and every decision may have a profound impact on the battlefield situation. While Ukraine acquires F-16 fighter jets, it will also face complex challenges in how to effectively use these advanced equipment, improve pilot skills, and balance international relations.
The article concludes that the showdown between the F-16 and the Su-35S goes beyond the level of pure technology and equipment, and it is an all-round contest involving tactical wisdom, political strategy, and international games. For Ukraine, the introduction of the F-16 is both an opportunity to increase the strength of the air force and a serious strategic challenge. In this air showdown, not only the courage and skills of pilots will be tested, but also the strategic wisdom and international cooperation capabilities of Ukraine and its allies will be severely tested.