TechF-16 vs su-30: Expert weighs in on aerial advantage in Ukraine skies

F‑16 vs su‑30: Expert weighs in on aerial advantage in Ukraine skies

Western F-16 fighter jets will soon appear over Ukraine, and their potential adversaries may include Russian Su-30SMs. Can a clear favourite be identified in this confrontation? Former Indian Air Force pilot Anil Chopra shared his insights.

Su-30 - illustrative photo
Su-30 - illustrative photo
Images source: © Getty Images | Mihail Siergiejevicz, SOPA Images
Norbert Garbarek

This is not the first time an expert's opinion has been sought in comparing the capabilities of the F-16 with Russian designs. Recently, American aviator Jeffrey Fisher commented on the American designs. The expert compared them to the most modern designs currently found in Russia, namely the Su-57.

The pilot from the United States pointed out that in this matchup, the F-16 holds the advantage. It is worth noting, however, that the Russians do not possess many Su-57s. They currently have about 10 of these, making it highly probable that the American machines will face other fighter jets in the air—primarily the Su-30SM and Su-35. A former military pilot from India assessed their effectiveness in light of the F-16.

He previously flew a Russian fighter jet. He compares it to the F-16

Chopra notes that comparing the Su-30 to the F-16 is not entirely appropriate. "It's like comparing apples and oranges," he explains. He points out that the performance of the Su-30SM should be compared to the F-15. Comparing the F-16 makes more sense when evaluating the capabilities of the MiG-29.

The difficulty in comparing the F-16 and the Su-30 stems from the fact that the Russian design is much larger than the American one. As a result, it is a fighter jet that is much easier to detect, not only by radar but also visually. According to Chopra, the Su-30 does have an advantage over the F-16 in terms of maneuverability at high angles of attack and quicker weapon targeting. "The Su-30 demonstrates greater agility and carries a larger payload," comments Chopra.

However, the F-16 has a better missile arsenal at its disposal. "Currently, the American AIM-120 outperforms the Russian R-77 in range," he stated, emphasizing that American F-16s will likely constantly be in the crosshairs of MiG-31 interceptors, each armed with six long-range missiles.

The pilot points out a key factor that will help gain an advantage

"The pilot's skills will be the decisive factor in aerial confrontations," Chopra explains. The expert notes that the F-16s sent to Ukraine will not have "the advanced radars and systems found in Block 70/72 variants" but will still stand a chance against Russian aircraft.

According to the Indian pilot, Ukraine's chance lies in a specific strategy involving rapidly approaching the enemy and firing a long-range missile, followed by returning to base. Ultimately, however, Chopra does not speak very favourably about the American F-16s and states outright that in most scenarios, Russian fighters could pose a significant threat to Ukrainians.

The F-16s that will be delivered to the Ukrainian armed forces are approximately 32 feet long and have a wingspan of about 49 feet. The American fighter jet, which accelerates to speeds of about Mach 2 (approximately 1,500 mph), has nine weapon stations for mounting armaments.

In comparison, the Su-30, which, according to the expert, is not a direct competitor to the F-16, measures nearly 72 feet in length and has a wingspan of 48 feet. Additionally, it can carry weapons on 12 stations.

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