According to General Pat Ryder, F-16s will be delivered to Kyiv. And we can never forget, these aircraft are one of the most numerous fourth-generation jets in history.
They are an elegant aircraft and — old.
Some say these aircraft will be delivered by September of this year. If you expect Ukrainian pilots to transition from MiG-29s to F-16s by September that’s great. Let’s just put aside, to train a pilot in the basics of an F-16 — it will take 18 months. Meaning, not just getting type-rated in the aircraft; you need to learn all the weapons platforms and communications.
Of course, to this audience, we all know this narrative is nonsense. But, let’s assume it’s true. Let’s assume Ukrainian pilots have enough experience that they’re able to transition more quickly in a crash program. And finally, let’s assume by September, there are Ukrainian pilots in F-16s — who are ready to fly and fight.
What’s next?
These pilots are going to have to fly against Russian air defenses.
And let’s dispel this horseshit right now — this is not Afghanistan or Iraq. Once a Ukrainian pilot takes off on the first mission to (attempt) to gain air superiority. These pilots will need to fly through the most advanced ECCM in the world. After being blind with no communication, these pilots will need to fight through state-of-the-art multi-layered air defenses. Including, the S-400s, and an unlimited supply of first-generation SAM-7s. Also, we can never forget the endless numbers of Russian heavy weapons — a menace to even the fastest jets.
If that is not bad enough we can’t forget random shots from the Russian Infantry. One lucky shot can bring down a 70-million-dollar aircraft in flames. And to cap the day off for the brave men and women who have just experienced a 60% attritional rate in their sortie. Russian special weapons battalions will be waiting for them on their way back shouldering the new SA-29. In addition to ‘another round’ of everything else I just described. Don’t worry about Russian aircraft, you won’t find a Russian MiG in the sky. This is simply due to the fact they themselves don’t want to get shot down by their own air defenses.
Make no mistake, F-16 aircraft losses will be — HEAVY.
Quite frankly, I highly doubt we will ever see these Falcons flying over the Donbas. Being in command, the last thing I would want to see our my aircraft littering the battlefield. In fact, if I was from The Joint Chiefs I think I would resign on the spot.
Oh, that’s right, that is precisely what’s happening.
— Chris
