F-16 vs SU-35 and the Air War in Ukraine

Gonky ‪@themoverandgonkyshow‬ (F/A-18, T-38A, A320 Pilot), Mover (F-16, F/A-18, T-38, 737 Pilot) and ‪@CasmoTV‬ (AH-64, OH-58, 737 Pilot) discuss an article about the potential of F-16 vs SU-35 battles, and the overall air war in Ukraine to date. Check out The Mover and Gonky Show Mondays at 8PM ET LIVE. • The Mover and Gonky Show
Buy one of C.W. Lemoine's books: www.cwlemoine.com
Subscribe to Gonky's Channel: / @thereadyroom7201
Subscribe to Casmo's Channel: / @casmotv
Check out the Low Level Hell Podcast: www.thelowleve...
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
Views presented are my own and do not represent the views of DoD or its Components.

[@rogerw3818]

Here's a motorcycle analogy, a quote from world champion Kenny Roberts: "A one hundred percent rider on a seventy percent bike will always beat a seventy percent rider on a one hundred percent bike". Or a Darth Vader thought: "Don't be too proud of this technological terror you have created".

[@HW.0029]

Probably one the most unbiased analysis on KZbin. For context he was working in Malaysia, a country which operates both US and Russian planes, and worked closely with both platforms for extended periods. Gonky is one of the most qualified if not the most qualified to talk on this subject on KZbin.

[@goodshipkaraboudjan]

Malaysia is such an interesting space in the air combat world. Odd mixed fleet plus the RAAF permenantly have a rotation of Super Hornets, Growlers and F-35s there.

[@sunnymitra6372]

@@goodshipkaraboudjan He also talked about Indian SU 30 MKIs which are extremely advanced and can fire Python 5 and I-Derby ER Missiles.

[@integrity262]

Pilot discipline and training is a game changer for sure.

[@Jawzzy]

It means nothing in a highly integrated battlefield, like in Ukraine. It doesn't matter how well the pilots can fly, when the Kinzahl, Iskander, or Kh-32 comes in from the stratosphere, at mach 5, and obliterates your base, with planes, pilots and all.

[@kakwa]

@@Jawzzy Not to mention all the air defense systems, even those as old as the Ukrainian's S300s. Honestly, Russia not having air supremacy is the biggest surprise of this War so far. Maybe it's because of deficient SEAD capabilities from Russia, but I think the performances of the Soviet (derived) AA systems (S300, Buk, etc) are also to be credited big time. I mean, Ukraine, with barely updated Soviet era S300 batteries was able to defend itself very well. But it cuts both ways, Russia also have a lot of these systems. Even if we were to give Ukraine all the F16 they want, I doubt they would get air supremacy either, AA is just too strong. On both sides, I think we will continue seeing air power providing only a very limited force multiplier (think 1.5x vs 10x (fantasy numbers)). The F16s will help a lot, but it will never be NATO style air supremacy.

[@integrity262]

@@kakwa Well said.Logically speaking.Way too many variables to make even an informed guess.

[@Jawzzy]

.@@kakwa Absolutely correct. but SEAD, the way the old NATO doctrine worked, is not going to work on this battlefield. Even if NATO sent those F-16's with their own pilots, and their own support teams, this battlefield is a different beast. There is a huge number SAM's of many different types and generations. There's always going to be something that's going to see you and be able to track you. This is not like in the old wars against small countries, that had two, maybe three types of 30 years old SAM's. Not even NATO, with all their might, could get through this. And the fact still remains, that even if you do get through, once of twice, you won't have a base to come back to.

[@ssn22]

@@Jawzzy yea we hear that from the beginning of the war you russian troll !!

[@jklmn101]

I greatly appreciate all of you bringing up the points about the battlefield where these aircraft are being operated in, and not just the aircraft themselves. In Ukraine, the airspace is so congested with opposing air defense systems that simply taking off is likely to make you a target for someone. That is a very harsh environment for any pilot or aircraft to try to work within, and it helps explain exactly why gaining actual air dominance has been impossible for either side to attain. I feel the F-16 can provide some level of support on the battlefield and beyond, but it will also be just as limited as any other aircraft until a great deal of Russian anti-air assets are completely removed from the field.

[@warpoet69]

As a aircraft mechanic working in fighters in the military and some Russian warbirds later it comes down to two things, pilot training and aircraft reliability. The second is key as the best pilot in the world if his equipment is constantly breaking down.

[@fjalics]

I hope we give them D model AMRAMS, a nice supply of HARM missiles, and some nice jamming pods.

[@michaelnguyen6730]

And logistical support. Airplanes with no repair materials, tools, and other materiel are sitting lawn fixtures.

[@stratcat3216]

Agreed. That's why simpler is usually better when it comes to winning a drawn-out war.

[@starstray4326]

hello! I have worked on some airplanes like the pc12. How is the maintenance compare on russian warbirds to US ones?

[@johanmetreus1268]

@@Max_Da_G USA still sell things to Russia, so what is your point?

[@dankovucenovic8278]

Huge respect to Mover, Gonky and Casmo for their opinion and discussion regarding delivery of F-16 to Ukraine. You guys know the best how much this plane will help Ukraine in this conflict with Russia. After listening your talk few times I have to say. God forbid that you meet Russian fighter pilots in the real combat situation! God bless you all.

[@IliyaOsnovikov]

Ukrainian F16s will see S500, S400, S350, S300, Tor and Buk SAMs way before they see any SU-35s.

[@dm3199]

They probably will never know what hit them

[@VladTaras-my2fy]

Russian air defence is a joke. Take a look at black sea fleet which is half way underwater already

[@dm3199]

@@VladTaras-my2fy and ukrainians are winning🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@IliyaOsnovikov]

@@VladTaras-my2fy Why does Ukraine desperately need F16s and more jets in general? Isn't it because the most of jets it had were shot down?

[@VladTaras-my2fy]

@@dm3199 yeah its hard to admin you are living in failed state. But lets think objectively, what 404-state has archive for 2 years of war? Except losing hunders of thousands of russian solders and prisoners? Doing all posible war crimes?

[@theshoot2958]

Hey, big fan of the channel. I was wondering if you guys would consider doing a reaction video to The Operations Room's Desert Storm The Air War Day 1 video? Getting your perspective on how massive that was would be awesome!

[@slip6699]

I love that video. It's insane!

[@theshoot2958]

@slip6699 Ikr I heard about desert storm when I was a kid but never knew any details other than Iraq losing until I started watching videos about it!

[@ariannescharfi9366]

I have to correct C.W. Lemoine at 5:55. It is not mostly Su27 of russian side. Russia don't operate Su27s over Ukraine at all. They operate Su35s and Su30s in CAP operations, as well some MiG31s. But their Su35 fleet is operating since Day 1 of the russian invasion in Ukraine. They use the Su35 in CAP missions at very high alt(+30.000 ft i assume) and launch R37M + R77-1 missiles at Ukrainian airplanes and break off.(in which they are very successful at) More missions for the Su35s are doing SEAD(which is less successful from what is believed) Source: Institute for the Study of War and Royal United Services Institute. Su35 also has some confirmed air kills without suffering losses to enemy airplanes but lost 2 jets by enemy airdefenses(1 at Izium, 1 at Kherson) overall it is a very successful jet. It is also not so special to fight their old variants like MiG29, Su24, Su25 or Su27s for sure, but the fact that airkills have been achieved while Ukrainian Jets were doing CAP flights deep in friendly airspace against enemy drones trying to hit important facilitys and objects all over ukraine is saddly impressive. Some airkills are to be believed done by powerful R37M missiles that were fired over a long range and even hit the target.

[@MrRjsnowden]

Love to hear actual experts provided grounded assessments of the situation in Ukraine in regard to the air war.

[@FromHelI666]

Would be interesting to see MR Lemoine performing as a fighter pilot in Ukraine and then may be make a summary on his experience in this channel.

[@jeff0247598]

Thank you guys for giving the "inside track" on general concepts of warfare that many civilians, including myself, are ignorant of. I read mostly that the Russian/Ukrainian war is a "meat grinder". Victory for either side doesn't look likely anytime soon. It feels like the F-16's given to Ukraine can maybe help on some level, but from your explanation of dealing with Russian SAM's and air defense and Russian warbirds that can reach out and touch the F-16's from further away, the F-16's have to be just a part of a comprehensive plan. I don't have as much knowledge or experience that you guys do, but the F-16's aren't going to be the "tipping point" in the Russian/Ukrainian war. The podcast is great fellas, keep it up. Military history/fighter jet nerds like me love this stuff!

[@FoxbatSqn120th]

For the record. The F-16AM is to replace the Su-27Flankers of type S and P. the P1M and P1SM (not russian updated but Ukraine updated) And P2M is suppose to stay around until all F-16 are delivered.

[@LupusAries]

Honestly, if they could upgrade the Avionics to western Standards and upgrade the missiles to Western ones as well. And of course either domestically produce or replace the Engines with a western equivalent, the Flanker would make a far more formidable air to air Platform. And even a better Striker. The Flanker is an Eagle Equivalent with a higher maneuverability and better slow speed handling, although lower T/W ratio. Put some AN-APG-70 in there and you'd have a very powerful interceptor/Air Superiority Fighter, with a lot more Endurance than the Viper. Love the Viper, but the Su-27 is the better design aerodynamics- and Performance-wise, but is badly let down by it's avionics.

[@FoxbatSqn120th]

@@LupusAries I for one, visits their Su-27's regulary and would also love to see them kept updated instead of replaced. But when you really get to get up close and personal, you really start to understand why they want to retire the Flankers. Spare parts is starting to get hard to find for Ukraine, even through they have a decent fleet. And the flanker does just take too much space to operate, and F-16 does almost fit anywhere, but ofcouse is not suited for runways like the Flanker is. But in the end with the falcon or not they were planning to retire the flankers togehter with the su-24. And then only maintain mig-29 and su-25.

[@praeparatus_supervivet]

It watched an interview with UK Professor Justin Bronk related to this topic. Gripen was literally built to operate in this kind of environment. It can be dispersed around the country because it can take off from many normal paved roads with very good STOL capabilities and is less susceptible to debris being sucked in from the road at take off and doesnt require much maintenance in addition to fast refueling and rearmament. It has really great EW as well as the Meteor missile with ram jet propulsion. Still it's an extremely difficult situation to do any kind of missions in. Sweden also can't really spare any of the Gripen C versions that we have in my opinion until Gripen E is fully deployed at all our squadrons. I also fear that Gripen or F-16 won't be used to their full potential by the pilots there and will be shot down to easily due to lack of experience of how to operate them tactically with a proper command structure. Looking at the numbers and availability maybe F-16 is the most realistic choice whilst I think Gripen would be the best fighter choice.

[@VechniHitove]

Ukrainians have experience on similar jets. That is why they need only 4 months to be trained how to operate them. The Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson said that in the past they have been trained on F15 and similar jets and they are familiar with them because they had joint drills with the US Air Force and Allies constantly after 2014.

[@saxonsoldier67]

Why wouldn't Saab donate 2 Gripen to fly under contract with volunteer pilots and a small maintenance crew ? If used effectively, sales would skyrocket.

[@VechniHitove]

@@saxonsoldier67 because you can’t just donate 2 planes. It have to be a squadron. Planes are much more than a number. The pilots are trained how to fly in squadron on these planes and different formations. Also maintaining 2 airplanes is not as easy as maintaining 13 or 14 of them. I am talking specifically about the parts supply.

[@gotanon9659]

Mate the F-16 have been taking off and landing on highways during exercises back in the early 80's long before the gripen prototype could land on the runway and most of justin bonk talking points are based out of unproven claims from Saab. Lets not even talk about the meteors as the Gripen C is unable to use its full potential anyway.

[@saxonsoldier67]

@@VechniHitove I disagree completely. My post was with contract pilots and maintainers to assist Ukraine while demonstrating the potential effectiveness of the Gripen. A few trucks and a small group of men should be all that is required to set up and maintain a remote operation with the Gripen for several days at a time. Western pilots can work with their squadron or wing, but individual pilots are trained to execute missions using their own judgement within rules of engagement. A Gripen team would necessarily want to cherry pick missions that would highlight the capabilities and strengths of the Gripen. All of these missions would be over Ukraine.

[@mytech6779]

A big part of the F16 advantage for Ukraine is full system compatability with NATO supplied munitions, less kludged work arounds.

[@B.D.E.]

Not full, but better yes. They are the MLU version of the jet, they lack a lot of modern features, such as datalink.

[@mytech6779]

@@B.D.E. Yes NATO has munitions that are not compatible with mid-tier f-16, but of the munitions that are supplied they will be fully compatible. Currently, those munitions have some rather makeshift attachment and programing/targeting compromises when fitted to MiG and SU aircraft.

[@ryansmithza]

It's always great to hear opinions on your channel Mover, it feels like I have heard something that is worth hearing! I'm not sure there are enough channels like this on KZbin that you could run out of fingers counting!

[@98MAzdaMilleniaS]

Norway said they’ll donate all 57 of their F16s. That’s over 100 F16s between 3 countries. That’s a game changer versus no aircraft

[@HILLEVILOVE]

Actually, Norway has confirmed it will supply 5-10 F-16s. Of the 57, 32 have been sold to Romania. 12 are bound for Draken International aggressor firm, but still awaiting US approval. 2 jets will go to training Ukraine pilots in Poland. The remaining 11 jets are in poor condition and will require major restoration, some are not likely to fly at all. However, there is a small chance that the deal of 12 jets for Draken will not go through. In that case these will probably be offered to the Ukraine. These jets are in good condition and are currently undergoing refurbishment.

[@tumelochana345]

Game changer 🤣🤣🤣aging pretty well

[@Scohill]

This is a very important discussion because people shouldn't have higher expectations than needed.

[@chrishooge3442]

The only air to air combat was in the opening week or two when Russia outran their SAMs...which I suspect they never thought they'd need.

[@mcal27]

Kudos to Gonky for his total fairness as always

[@proterotype]

It’s great to get the opinions of these guys, really lends perspective

[@soeren72]

Esp saying Ukr has Mig-21 says allot, why discuss without knowing the equipment they have.

[@Ogivekrew]

These convos are by far my fav… Versus conversations are the best.. Equipment and tactics

[@JakeSigalMixYT]

Id feel ok putting money on the F-16s being checkmate pawns are the quiet guy in the corner, I could see its SEAD capability changing the game.

[@JinKee]

I wish "Juice" had a chance to fly the F-16. It was his dream.

[@seancummings7788]

It will be interesting when it comes to arming the F-16.

[@valkoharja]

Thanks guys. This was a pleasure to watch and listen to.

[@ccfmfg]

C.W, Are You related to Admiral Lemoine from NAVSPECWAR? Thanks for the video.

[@Valy18]

I can add, Romania has recently trasitioned to the Viper from Migs. It took about 4 years to have a fully operational squadron. And that is with pilots trained with Nato standards on *aircrafts* with western avionics, good levels of English and many many exchanges within the alliance. Sure maybe they will solo in a few weeks, but it's interesting to see how effective they will be at this.. And I've heard that most of them don't speak very much English ..

[@59thfsaviation79]

This is spot on. I spent 10 years crewing the Viper. They won't just take off and start killing MiG's. It's going to take years to deploy them to the max.

[@ssn22]

it's a point but very underestimated one !! when you are in war this is totally different situation don't compare peace time and bureaucracy and real war situation !!

[@TohaBgood2]

Doubt that language skills will be a problem. In my experience the vast majority of Ukrainians speak at least serviceable English. They learn it in school for 10 years and are steeped in Western/American media. To be a fighter pilot in the Eastern block countries you basically had to be a trained engineer. English is mandatory in engineering schools there. And, to add even more to my this, all pilots in that part of the world need English to talk to air traffic control because unlike Russia, they don’t have the luxury of unrestricted airspace for thousands of miles in any direction. So all military and civilian pilots are required to speak English.

[@griftinggamer]

​@59thfsaviation79 Yea but that's also what they said about ww2 pilots in new birds but when both sides are churning out pilots and putting them in combat asap all the old training windows go out of the window.

[@steveperreira5850]

Don’t worry too much. Soon we will see. Things happen faster during wartime

[@dr.tankenstien]

Not a AF guy but a US Navy Guy.. (30 years) ... from what I have read about these EU F-16s is they are equivalent, equipment wise, to block 52/56 American F-16s... not going to say I know a lot about block numbers vs. capabilities but what does this entail vs the majority of Russian Aircraft?

[@TowerHand469]

Love some Cosmo, but is there any way we could get the guy who runs the growler jams channel on the show?

[@beech96W]

Better is the enemy of good enough. A lot of good enough is formidable.

[@fatcole1152]

These F-16s aren't even meant to go head to head with the Russian aircrafts They're meant to hunt down cruise missiles like the few Ukrainian fighter aircraft still in service have been doing nonstop

[@iconnative]

Do you think Ukraine will send their next generation of pilots through the USA’s undergraduate pilot training course to get them to an F16 input standard?

[@schmo78]

Well, that unknown "Dude" Dan Hampton actually has 726 combat hours, especially in the "Wild Weasel" role, including 21 recorded Kills on SAM sites and fought in the Gulf War, Kosovo and the Iraq War. So he is actually the most lethal F-16 “Wild Weasel” pilot in American history and also one of America's most decorated former fighter pilots. And all you did figure out is that he wrote some books. Really?

[@CWLemoine]

Are you his publicist?

[@schmo78]

No. I just used Google's incredible magical abilities. But maybe Gonky's bad internet connection isn't actually a running gag. 😉@@CWLemoine

[@bob38028]

@@CWLemoine I think your commenter went a little too hard with the criticism CWLemoine, but he does bring up a valid point. If what he says is true, it does feel like you may have been quick to dismiss Dan Hampton. Love the vids btw, keep it up!

[@CWLemoine]

I stand by what I said.

[@bob38028]

@@CWLemoine Fair. Since you and Dan both flew F-16's would you consider reaching out to see if he'd come on the show?

[@alexandr347]

Someone being realistic, very well appreciated.

[@monsenrm]

It seems the best use of the F16 is its ability to give AGM-88s new modes only available on US aircraft. They won’t be able to clear out everything but at least it should help.

[@hoghogwild]

The new AGM-88's were just used in combat by navy SuperHornets.

[@timrorabaugh9874]

The advantage of the F16 is that it can use western weapons. Ukrainian is running out of munitions capable of being deployed from old Soviet aircraft.

[@θησεαςΜπακογιαννης]

Very good analysis. The only thing that the f16 can use to beat su35 is radar jamming. The f16 have aesa radar while the su35 have pesa. If the f16 cannot jamm the russian radars then they cannot last in the battlefield. Especially given the fact that the will face a strong russian AD and the airports are gonna bombed by kalibrs and cruise missles. Personally i believe they will manage to shoot dome russian aircraft but they are not gonna be game changers.

[@MrGameMeister]

Has there been any reporting if Ukraine will receive ECM or HTS pods with these jets? SEAD will be quite tough without them. Those are pretty sensitive devices. Don’t want those to fall into hands of the enemy.

[@James-tq8go]

I was a volunteer in Ukraine for 7 months. I've been all over Ukraine, all up & down the front. Not one time did I see a helicopter or fixed wing.

[@steveperreira5850]

Aircraft with humans on board, combat aircraft, they are obsolete over the battlefield. Sitting ducks

[@gordonmills2748]

Something Gonky said at around 11:00 really stuck out for me. Autonomy vs the Russian doctrine. At least on the ground, part of the reason Ukraine has been so effective against Russia is because they have long been moving away from the "top down" old Soviet model of "I'm not doing anything until the general tells me to do it." Ukrainian ground forces have been given autonomy and the ability to pivot when needed. If they use these aircraft in the way they've used everything else, it will be a bad day for the Russians.

[@ГеоргийМурзич]

They were effective when they outnumbered russian forces 5 to 1. These days they have only 2 to 1 advantage and cant do much even though this ukrainian offensive was way better prepared than kharkov one

[@ChucksSEADnDEAD]

​@@ГеоргийМурзич They never outnumbered the Russians. Their army was around 250k people. The Russian army, PMCs, DPR/LPR, etc were pretty much equal in numbers.

[@Gunterlund583]

how will they deal with the Mig-31 lobbing missiles from 100 miles away?

[@immortaldev1489]

The Russian R37 is designed to hit slow moving targets at far distances that can't turn on a dime to evade, like an AWACS, so their range is about 100 nautical miles, but against a fighter jet, the effective range is dramatically decreased, by at least 20%. If the F16s carry the AIM120D, they will match the R37's range, and even exceed it if they're given the later variants. However, they will most likely get the AIM120C7, and they will most likely play an interception role. Not only this, all jets on both sides fly at exceptionally low altitude in order to avoid SAM sights on both sides, severely decreasing the effective range of the R37. I believe the best case the F16 can be used for is SEAD and the F16s ability to take out targets of opportunity with their advanced HARMs

[@hertzwave8001]

dodge, as they've already been doing (the R-37s probability of kill is pretty poor at those ranges vs fighters from what ive heard from various telegram channels)

[@phill5917]

@@immortaldev1489 " If the F16s carry the AIM120D, they will match the R37's range, and even exceed it if they're given the later variants." No. The R-37M has a 300-400km Max range (Depending on speed an Altitude its launched at) with a max speed of Mach 6. The Amram isn't going to match that. I also Highly doubt that Mig-31's would even get close enough to F-16's in the first place. Their job is to fly high, fast and loft missiles off from a long range (Where F-16's Aim-120D's won't be effective) and then RTB. Not Dogfight. Their Interceptors.

[@immortaldev1489]

@@phill5917 that's only the effective range against slow moving targets that can't defend missiles, with no RWR (like a KC135 or some AWACS planes), a fighter jet can dump their altitude from 60,000 ft to sea level in 20 seconds while pulling 9Gs to defend. Here's an extract from the wiki on the R37M: "The R-37 missile, also known as RVV-BD, is a long-range air-to-air missile with a range exceeding 200 km. The missile's range depends on the flight profile, from 80 nautical miles (150 km) for a direct shot to 215 nautical miles (398 km) for a cruise glide profile." As you can see, the AIM120D is similar in range to the R37 when the jet firing the R37 is facing another fighter jet. Also speed doesn't mean too much, the AIM54 phoenix could hit mach 5+, that doesn't make it an awesome air to air missile against other fighters, which is why the US developed the AMRAAM

[@265justy]

​@@phill5917Agreed and one thing is for sure.. If the F-16 gets on close enough to a Mig-31 for a dogfight.... The Mig is doomed.... 😅

[@stevengrice1807]

Think your missing.... They will run out of ANY Jets soon enough. So they need the F-16. The SU-35 is in limited numbers needs MASSIVE refit after a few hours of flight. Jet on Jet is not happening. Plus be nice to at least be able to fire Good air to air and air to ground missiles...

[@Gunterlund583]

I thought the main advantage of the F16 will be to bring a broader array of A to G ordnance, not so much air superiority

[@Glee73]

cant do A to G without air superiority though..?

[@kermittoad]

Yeah that's exactly it, you don't want to fight BVR with Su35's or 30's with the old radar block 20 MLU's have. Block 70's with D/D3 variants of AMRAAMs could woop their ass (on paper) but they're not gonna get it.

[@kermittoad]

​@@Glee73they do it currently with Su27's and mig29's lobbing JDAM-ER at front lines from pretty far back in their own SAM cover, if Russia had actual air superiority they can't.

[@Aokitadamitsu]

I think its more of just having a supply line for parts, replacement Frames, and secure training bases.. Mover said it clearly, this is an Airforce of 60-80 active jets, this "could" drive a less aggressive posture. Most of NATO has enough squadrons of planes to be more aggressive, and with block 70 aircraft, NATO could crack the IADN (integrated Air Defense Network) without 5th gen fighters.. (not saying it would be easy, or not cost blood)

[@Aokitadamitsu]

@@kermittoad yeah they are getting NATO block 20 MLU hand me downs.. Not something to challenge the IADN, but good training for when they join NATO and start to get some block 50/60 hand me down love.

[@AvroBellow]

I think that your analysis is spot-on. You know, it's a real shame that there weren't more Gripens available for Ukraine because those planes are so well-suited to the Ukrainian situation that I believe they'd have made a mich bigger impact than the Falcons will. Maybe they could try to get some out of South Africca because the SAAF holds at least half of their Grpiens in storage at any given time.

[@brentm9848]

Ukraine will use them for a 10 day push over a narrow stretch of line. They will suffer 10 per cent attrition per day, but the goal will be to give the ground forces enough cover to reach the coast.

[@yawningkitty457]

There is also the question of weather Russia has enough qualified pilots still in service, there have been rumors that they have a serious pilot shortage.

[@djape1977]

They certainly have plenty of s350 and s400s

[@JD-ws2cu]

Im currently flying with Ukrainian pilots that my country brought in has refugees were hired by my company. Ukrainians train to high standard. These guys are sharp.

[@soeren72]

The info from training here in DK says the same.

[@jamesharper7661]

Historical reminder- 100 P40B/C's, Chenaults tactics and volunteer American pilots, few with combat experiance and few ever even flew the P40 really made a difference in a few months operations in China. Motivated pilots with good (Not the best) aircraft and good tactics/weapons can be the difference between losing and winning. I'm a lifetime history student. Not a fighter pilot. But I was a crew chief for 8 years on A7's and A10's. Those Ukrainian pilots have motivation beyond a bunch of mercenaries. Whatever happens, they will be a pain in the ass for the russians......

[@kensmith174]

Excellent video.

[@andyhall9669]

Dude. When he said they're junk he's not saying they can't maneuver. He's saying the total package of logistics, dispatch reliability, pilot proficiency etc just isn't there for the 35s.

[@dm3199]

This is a "Hitler" mindset

[@steveperreira5850]

I agree with you. These guys showed too much fear. I like those Russian air to air missiles are perfect. I’m sure they’re not

[@MichaelCasanovaMusic]

@@steveperreira5850 "I like those Russian air to air missiles are perfect. I’m sure they’re not" Are you willing to stake your life on that?

[@Snoop_Dugg]

I read that it's very much similar to WW1 trench warfare compared to anything else. Would you say the way the aircraft(s) are flying is reminiscent of WW1?

[@BreandanAnraoi]

Not even remotely comparable. Ground war might be WWI style trench warfare, but ground-based air defenses are certainly well beyond WWI capability.

[@flippinnickelproductions298]

Wait…..The guest read the article, WTH , rockets won’t shoot down a jet in combat. But then again I was a ground pounder, but I’m an aviation nerd! Good feed , Mover

[@GrantvsMaximvs]

It's not the plane, it's the pilot.

[@DanielFMcFadden]

Mover gets it again.

[@Echo4Sierra4160]

Actually it would be the F-16 vs the Mig-31 from about 200km away. The Mig can kill the F-16 from that range.

[@CWLemoine]

Using what missile?

[@Heegooat]

@@CWLemoine The MIG 31 is Russia's trump card paired with SU 30s,su 35. Its basically a mini AWAC with some big sticks than can touch you from quite the distance.

[@terrywayneHamilton]

Hi, Just a note on radio compared to non radio operated systems. Radio is easy to jam if you key the same frequency which will blank the carrier wave that carries the signal wave. With the new chip that allows frequency jumping there is some safety of protection of the signal wave. Russians are good at jamming . The use of non radio guidance weapons and navigation such as ballistic, infrared, GPS, Inertial, and laser will be the preferred tools. The West has an advantage in non radio tools and will depend on industrial production . Air assets have been little used to little effect in Ukraine war with Russia. This war is an extension of the cold war and will most likely end in a draw. The object of the conflict is to weaken the advisory not to force a defeat. I am an old guy but my kids have been extensively involved where Russian equipment is used . One is MI , one Is UAV, and one is Blackhawk pilot all with extensive time in many overseas war zones along with Central and South America. Their joint opinion is positive to Russian electrical and air assets. "It Good" .

[@FrictionBearings]

for a better recent comparison, F16s vs Indian SU30s skirmish can be studied in 2019.

[@BanzaiYaris]

Quantity has a quality all of its own.

[@njgrplr2007]

Glad they hit on the biggest lesson from Ukraine this far: cheap drones can inflict a heck of a lot of damage and make your enemy rethink their investments in expensive weapon systems.

[@Devil3R]

All the way Brother. Strike Hold!

[@slip6699]

Not an expert but it seems like these are not for them to win the air to air war. It should allow them to gain access to the NATO air to ground suite of weapons they need to better support the ground war. Avoiding trading these planes in fights isn't the way forward against a numerically superior force.

[@danilodyachok8009]

US has potential to deliver hundreds of f16s that are being replaced with f35s. You don’t have to be rocket scientist to realize that ~50 f16s pledged by EU are not going to win war against russia alone

[@JagdgeschwaderX]

I get that the Russian Airforce has traditionally had much less flight hours per pilot but they've been deployed in Syria for a decade and now appear to be flying a lot of sorties over Ukraine so surely they've got way more hours and experience today compared to before? Not remotely comparable to a US air force/navy pilot but I wouldn't be surprised if they're getting more hours that many European air forces.

[@moonasha]

bro all they did in Syria was drop dumb bombs from 30,000 feet

[@JagdgeschwaderX]

@@moonasha It sounds so easy

[@DollyRanch]

I think that talking point is about a decade out of date. Russia being broke and not having the funds to give pilots hours is not a tradition, but a symptom of the country being in a two-decade long depression. Even according to wikipedia, VVS fighter pilots were logging a similar amount of flight hours to USAF fighter pilots as recently as five years ago

[@JagdgeschwaderX]

@@DollyRanch Agree and I would not be surprised at all.

[@DollyRanch]

@@mikelee7318 you misunderstand me, we agree.

[@osychenko]

Quality of flight time is definitely the main factor. Actually, the Russians since the start of the war fly A LOT, like really hours, every day. Do they really learn something from it when they actually don't see no enemy, and don't dare enter perilous regions in Ukraine - I doubt it.

[@akicaww]

Hard stuff, Operating these Vipers vs su35 and other modern flanker variants on the fornt line where there is presumably layered ground air defense. What about s400, 300 , buk, tor, pantsir covering flankers. I just don't know .. Old russian awacs versions and ground radars. Hard to say really. Idk if it was US Airforce with all the stuff, ok , yeah maybe. Probably. But just these f16s on attack role vs integrated air defense idk and Ru EW capabilities that were prooven OK... Hard to say really . Probably no game change. Also when f16s come into play probably there will be some su57 squads out there. Idk... Tough thing,... USA should have provided Ukraine with raptors or lightnings. To do proper SEAD . This thing i don't know. Time will tell I guess. But then aggain Ukrainian Airforce has some grounf hits with low flying su24... idk. Maybe Vipers enhanche that alot idk. If I was russian I'd just let them into sam range and what then ? You need Maverick to hit the brakes and let them fly by yeeeaaah... . Maybe some sort of sead with storm shadows and himars , and russians being idiotic ok . Idk.

[@jerseyshoredroneservices225]

I wonder if we'lll provide a tanker(s) along with the fighters and/ or if we would be willing to refuel them.

[@RichardBeck83]

I think the take home is the F16 will deploy the NATO weapons (anit-radiation missals) much better then the Mig29 they are using now.

[@gojithecringe]

As a Ukrainian, can confirm they're using Fullbacks really frequently. And lots got shot dowm.

[@mrteacher1315]

Integrated air defense system will probably shoot down F-16

[@markwybierala4936]

My guess is going to be that there is going to be magnified and intense oversight of the F16s deployment from political pressures to insure that the program is a success. The aircraft are going to be washed, polished, super tweaked and fully FMC before they arrive in Ukraine. Probably even to the point of custom paint and graphics. The preparations to receive and support the F16s is going to be beyond measure. The western politicians will certainly inform and pressure the military to make sure everything than can and should be done to prevent this from becoming a shit show. You wont see it but there will be western advisors put in place at every level to enhance to success of the F16s. On the other hand, despite the Russian aircraft having great capabilities, the track record of the Russian military to operate to professional standards has been dismal. There might be a couple of aircraft that have been properly maintained but from what I’ve seen, there’s no way that Russia can field and maintain a consistent current tech force. The high tech and performance capabilities are useless if the maintenance hasn’t been supported.

[@dwighthuth1171]

Hot can a tracking system be develop to track the inferior steel used in Russian and Chinese planes? While working as a welder and using Chinese steel, I came across a lot of problems with carbon in Chinese steel. How can a missile be developed to make the pilot of the plane snap the plane in a different direction that would cause increased stress on the metal that would cause the durability of the plane to lessen resulting in Russia or China spending more money on fixing the problem instead of the missile solving the problem outright?

[@LazlowRave]

I like your set up or maybe I just didn't hear your sound quality but it is crisp. I haven't watched you in a few months cause I was in Ukraine. It's a beautiful country, but after you been to so many, it's them little differences. Kvas food. I was in love. Mostly I was in Poland thou. But so many Ukrainians are in Poland in refuge. I got like a month then, I'm off again. Who knows..... Idk why Russia just doesn't stop.

[@saadmonsta007]

This is what exactly happened to abhinandan as well. He didn't even drop his fuel tanks and was deprived of the situational awareness by the POF FALCON EA.

[@alexfreeman4069]

Gosh, I feel like I want to watch Hot Shots! again 😊

[@Ryan-mq2mi]

Whatever you guys do, please don't ever be afraid to speak truth. We have to deal in reality

[@EliteAmmunition]

It's an up close knife fight.

[@FatherExo]

What block mod are they getting? Also what ordinance are they getting vs what they have. Also who’s training and how long is it going to take to train them (or is it going to be another scenario of what russia did in vietnam back in the day with their pilots? These are things people have to consider before writing a half assed article without knowledge or experience, some of these journalists just let their feelings take over too much

[@kermittoad]

Block 20 MLU's, upgraded to the standards of block 50/52 but with an older radar.

[@Gunfreak19]

Block 10, 15 and 20 I think, the MLUs are mostly 10 and 15, at least the Norwegians were. The F16s will be a good improvement over the Ukrainian MiG29s, as far as I know the Ukrainian 29s can't use Fox 3s. So they'll get more effective air to air weapons and far more effective air to ground weapons. But as they said in this video it's not gonna be a huge game changer.

[@bingbong6127]

​​@@Gunfreak19the su-35 has missiles that can outrange anything the f16 has in excess of 100km

[@Gunfreak19]

@@bingbong6127 no, about 75nm, 120nm vs around 40nm. And still a huge improvement over the Fox 1s the MIG29s used which had a range of about 35nm and needed radar guidance all the way to target.

[@mojoproductions3714]

If you've underestimated your enemy,you have already lost 😢

[@RAYROTHSTEIN66]

What's going to be the big difference is the lack of maintenence and poor training on the su35 side. In a perfect scenario the f16 and su35 are not even the same platform, one is a interceptor and fighter, the other is a multiple fighter. One does everything good and the other does one thing only really well.

[@greybuckleton]

These are also pretty old F16s, A and B models I think. So that makes them quite a bit less capable.

[@ChucksSEADnDEAD]

With MLU, though.

[@M1911jln]

They have been upgraded.

[@greybuckleton]

@@M1911jln yeah but still to a pretty old standard. It's somewhere similar to a block 50 in avionics but still runs the old APG 66 radar and old lower power PW F100. The fighters it will be going up against have the better radar and thrust. We are yet to see what weapons are being sent with F16 so can't say.

[@greybuckleton]

@@ChucksSEADnDEAD that was a fine program but they are still running old engines and radars.

[@REktSigMa]

LockHeed Martin probably the Best in designing fighter jets in the World IMO, I am sure. In terms of Quality airframes.

[@LordMarksman14]

F-16's got to have pristine, clean runways or they'll suck up all the rocks and dirt in their intake. Russian jets are designed with the idea that the battlefield is not gonna be clean and sterile. They are built to be reliable on the battlefield. Where are they gonna field these F-16's? Russia can strike anywhere in Ukraine so basically any airfield in Ukriane has a bullseye on them. They also can't launch in any neighboring country or they'll be a target of Russia as well for participating.

[@soeren72]

The only game change for Ukr would be if US was to standby their signature on the Budapest memorandum, after disarming them. Not a proud day in history.

[@vladimirfromukraine419]

From your mouth to God's ear.

[@smh-]

those deals only work if non-nuclear country is agressor 😂

[@vladimirfromukraine419]

@@smh- On the other hand, the aggressor understands only force, and we see this in practice.

[@IliyaOsnovikov]

Ukraine was completely safe until it started anti-Russian crusade on all fronts after 2014 coup.

[@Snoop_Dugg]

How would combat work in the Taiwan strait? It's similarly a small contested area but the 2nd island chain is much further away.

[@TheJustinJ]

Naval Warfare

[@americanheritagegirls5639]

These three pilots bring up several good points, and also refute the poorly mentioned article referenced. Unfortunately it appears they do not have a good understanding of the air war in Ukraine. Typical Russian air activity consists of a single strike aircraft dropping PGMs from high altitude, covered by a single Fighter acting as escort and SEAD. They operate from high altitude and are increasingly vulnerable to Patriot ambushes. Typical Ukrainian air activity consists of 1-2 strike aircraft launching PGMs at low altitude. These strikes have been very survivable, with no air losses in months. Air to air combat consists of rare opportunities to fire long range missiles with very poor results. Neither side crosses the border, or flies near the border (rocket lofters excluded) This is the operational environment that F-16s will enter. With the right tactics, F-16s have an opportunity to be very effective at strike missions and air ambushes.

[@AndrewKozley]

Things are about to get hot

[@REktSigMa]

Antiradiation missiles or HARM ordinance. Is what they need to take out those S-400's cause these things are deadly to non-stealth aircraft.

[@Moon_Cricket_Stinks]

Pilots are like drifters. The danger isnt under the hood, but behind the wheel.

[@devobronc]

This is dumb. It takes a LONG TIME to master the Viper... it's NOT something that's just going to magically happen for Ukrainian Pilots in-time for it to matter in this Conflict with Russia. IF they go into-action in Ukraine, they will be shot down by Russki Pilots and S-400 missiles. IT won't have a big impact; that's propaganda. As great as the F-16 is, it's a big adjustment for pilots to not just fly, but fly well-enough to get to the point where they are really "strapping on the airframe". So, if it was at-all successful, the pilots would actually be NATO Honchos working for Ukraine as hired-gun mercenaries. Any discussion of this involving success with Uki pilots is just BOLD FACED LYING.

[@FireSneaks83]

Doug Masters and Chappy would care to disagree…

[@proy3]

I'd love to see these guys react to Alex Hollings one day.

[@zippyfinleyadventures]

They're excellent aircrafts! 😅

[@B.D.E.]

The danger is more Mig-31 with R-37m flying high and engaging BVR while all Ukrainian jets are forced to fly low, killing their ability to evade. F-16 isn't the answer. They need ATACMS and a lot of other long range PGMs to take out russian GBAD and let them get any of their jets ti altitude in the first place. Until then, the F-16 is as vulnerable as anything else.

[@59thfsaviation79]

Oh they do have unlimited. The US won't stop handing them money. They can lob 100 AMRAAM's a day and Biden will just send 1K more.

[@johnd.8224]

F16 and meteor missles would be a good combo for Ukraine. Would also like to see Ukraine get FA18's, NOW.

[@mcal27]

To your guest. Russian pilots have had 3 years of combat experience now so the argument about flights hours etc may not hold true anymore

[@wst8340]

Until they get into the ring, everything is speculation.😮

[@twistedsab]

Hay Fellas, love the chat. very true, fly the F16 or the F35 and sometimes its not even an enemy radar or manpad that takes down one. its panic, bird, unexpected human error on the runway that caused crashes. one of the biggest factor for crashing airplanes if yall recall in Iraq and Afghanistan was the shortage of DoD funding under you know what I am talking about administration. anyway. also another major threat. despite ECM capabilities of any platoform, scanning and publishing a footprint for passive enemy systems is a serious problem, you will have to increase the flight ceiling to avoid such threat, the more you increase the more likely a russian SA15, or SA400/500 will lock-on the 16.

[@unknownuser069]

There is a lot of cross talk on this topic. F-16 is not a wonder weapon. If your goal is counter sensationalism on this point ... good job. What is the key advantage of F-16? These aircraft offer a supply chain and the possibility of upgrades, whereas the Ukrainians' current fleet has neither. The same is true of any other NATO airframe on offer. The fact that they have a supply chain is infinitely better than the aircraft Ukraine is operating. They can't call up Sukhoi or MIG and order parts. Vympel isn't going to send them pallets of AA-12 either. Just keeping something in the air with the current MIG-29 and SU-27 is a heroic effort for Ukraine. It will not be easy to set up the infrastructure and logistics for any NATO aircraft, but once they do... having an air force with access to supply is a lot better than not.

[@AllDay3090]

"F16 vs knock-off F14" should be tittle of this video.

[@CWLemoine]

Why?

[@AllDay3090]

@@CWLemoine because they look like F14A's. Same intake geometry and engine placement with a pointy front in. Its the concept Russia uses for everything: make it look American/NATO so people will take it seriously. The TU160 is a knock-off B1, the Beriev A50 is a knock-off E3, the T14 is a knock-off Leopard or Abrams.

[@Pvt_Wade]

can u explain how that would make sense

[@AllDay3090]

@@Pvt_Wade see above comment genius.

[@Pvt_Wade]

@@AllDay3090 "why?" ? that still dosent answer my question

[@SummitMan165]

Excellent discussions with real honest and humble opinions. Great show, and I like the way you, as REAL fighters pilots, learned to not underestimate your enemy! That being said, hopefully Ukrainians will get the vipers ASAP + AMRAAM and kick the Russians out of their country ! 💪💪🇺🇦🇺🇦🫡🫡