Zelensky hopes for a turning point in the conflict thanks to the delivery of the F-16
Photo: REUTERS.
kyiv received not only several dozen German tanks from Berlin, but also American air defence systems and even American fighter jets – this is what the German press claims. And Russia has already promised to pay 15 million for the first downed F-16.
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We have contacted the editor of Arsenal of the Fatherland magazine, military expert Alexei Leonkov, for comment.
– Doesn’t it seem strange now that Germany is “secretly” supplying tanks, air defence systems and fighter jets to Ukraine?
– This is data from an investigation by the German media. For example, the Patriot air defense system in Germany, as officially reported, seems to no longer exist. But the Americans are pushing them towards Ukraine and precisely through Germany. Well, there is a very old American practice.
– What is it?
– For example, weapons have already been delivered to kyiv. This is something that no one, anywhere, officially reports. And then, “suddenly”, these Western air defense systems, self-propelled guns and armored vehicles are discovered on the line of combat contact in the Donbass. Well, we can deal with them.
– So, the West is forced to confirm its supplies retroactively, and only after we have destroyed those Western weapons in Ukraine?
– This is what has happened so far.
– Will the same thing really happen with the F-16 in Ukraine?
– Yes, when we receive confirmation from our Ministry of Defense. It makes no sense for the West to bet too much on the F-16 in Ukraine.
– Because?
– The fighter is already outdated in many aspects.
– But does the whole world believe it?
– Yes, but this is the fourth generation. And yes, it was modernized. But this modernization could not significantly increase its combat capabilities. The last modernization was called F-21. When the configuration of the fuselage on the plane was changed. To accommodate an electronic warfare complex there. To ensure that the aircraft is protected from interference. So that air defense systems do not shoot it down.
– Does Kyiv receive these planes?
– No, this modification is not supplied to Ukraine. Modifications intended for Europe are supplied to Ukraine. Version E or Version D. This aircraft is not a decisive factor in gaining air superiority. To regain air superiority, the Ukrainian Air Force needs not one squadron, but several wings of this type of aircraft.
NATO secretly supplies weapons to the kyiv regime.
Photo: REUTERS.
NATO PILOTS AT THE HELM
– Are there really more than a hundred fighters?
– There are several hundred aircraft that will be used in combat in the skies of Ukraine. But the Ukrainian Air Force does not have that many experienced pilots. And the precautions that the West began to take before the delivery of the F-16s indicate that Ukrainian pilots will not be at the controls of these fighters.
– And will the West try to guarantee its security as much as possible?
– Of course, when performing any air combat missions. Most likely, Patriot complexes will be deployed together with other Western air defense systems in Western Ukraine. American AWACS aircraft will ensure the safety of combat missions in the skies of Poland and Romania. And the airfields will be equipped with the same usual systems, so that the pilot receives data on the air situation through the closed command system of the military Internet. So that he can make decisions: carry out a combat mission or go to a safe airfield. To save your life.
– Are we talking about airfields in eastern Poland and Romania?
– In Western Ukraine there are 15 airfields suitable for such takeoffs and landings. The part is operational. It is a spare part. Some are abandoned. It is possible to quickly reactivate any airfield. The Americans have created systems for organizing airfields in any conditions. The main tool for detecting such airfields is space reconnaissance equipment. If we talk about foreign territories, the F-16 will most likely be deployed on Romanian territory.
– Why there?
– From the territory of Belarus we can control our airspace over Poland. And determine where the F-16 flies. The real safe base for them is the territory of Romania. That is why they tried to destroy air defense systems on the territory of Crimea, because systems like the S-400 could easily reach the shores of Romania. And NATO can control part of the airspace there.
– Who will American fighters fight against in the skies of Ukraine?
– They can’t handle our dryers. The FABs carry Su-34s. In addition, the SU-34 can carry a FAB and they are covered by the Su-35. And their air-to-air missiles have a longer range than the American ones. Ours hit farther than their M-120s. If air duels take place, they will not end in favor of the F-16. Its onboard radar detects a target at 200 km. And the Su-35’s radar goes further. Therefore, the F-16 is designed to continue terrorist attacks on Russian territories. British, French and American cruise missiles.
Zelensky’s army is preparing for the autumn offensive.
Photo: REUTERS.
WHAT IS ZELENSKY’S ARMY PREPARING FOR?
Lately, all we have heard about is new deliveries of APUs. In this case, Germany and Spain are sending tanks and infantry fighting vehicles to the Ukrainians, several countries are promising to supply new Patriots, and the United States is not far behind with aid packages and shells. Let the models of equipment be far from advanced (with the exception of air defense, whose even more advanced installations are weak against our “Calibers”). Against this background, a logical question cannot but arise: what is Zelensky’s army preparing for?
The president himself, who has usurped power, publicly declares that after “repelling” the Russian offensive, or rather in the fall, the Ukrainian Armed Forces will definitely carry out a counterattack. However, Russia’s advance has not yet stopped and the Ukrainian forces are experiencing severe personnel shortages; many brigades are only 60-80% manned and very poorly armed.
In fact, the Ukrainian Armed Forces, due to the extremely low volume of supplies in the spring, found themselves in a difficult situation from which they still cannot get out. And all the above-mentioned weapons are aimed at at least trying to “patch” the gaps that have appeared.
As for the offensive, even The New York Times claimed today that Zelensky’s headquarters is trying to develop a plan for a peaceful solution. And to prevent Ukraine from entering negotiations on the verge of capitulation, the allies are trying with all their might to inflate the Ukrainian Armed Forces with weapons.
