Ukraine engineers turn aging Soviet jets into modern marvels
The Ukrainian army effectively modernizes Soviet aircraft by integrating them with modern weaponry. Cited by the Ukrainian agency Unian, expert Anatoliy Khrapchynski explains how Ukraine is handling this challenge. He points out that "keeping equipment combat-ready is becoming an art."
The Ukrainian army, despite limited resources, successfully upgrades its Soviet aircraft, such as the Su-24, Su-27, and MiG-29. Thanks to the engineers, these Cold War-era machines are becoming platforms for modern weapons. Expert Anatoliy Khrapchynski emphasizes that this is a real challenge, but Ukraine is successfully integrating these aircraft with modern armaments.
Ukrainians are modernizing their equipment
Khrapchynski mentions the Su-24s, which have been adapted to carry British Storm Shadow and French SCALP missiles, increasing their ability to attack targets at long distances. In turn, the MiG-29 and Su-27 can now carry American JDAM-ER bombs, allowing for precise strikes on enemy positions.
Additionally, Ukraine is working on integrating AGM-88 HARM missiles, capable of destroying enemy air defense systems. This opens up airspace for other means of attack. However, the biggest challenge remains keeping these machines combat-ready with limited resources. "Keeping machines combat-ready is becoming an art," Khrapchynski observes.
Khrapchynski notes that the lack of spare parts and a limited number of factories mean each flight requires intensive work from engineers. "Few understand that sometimes one flight means half a day of work for engineers with an entire hangar of spare parts," he explains.
The expert emphasizes that air parity is not only about the number of fighters but an entire system in which every element has its task. This includes aviation, air defense, electronic warfare systems, and drones. Ukraine aims to create such a system, which will allow gaining air superiority.
Ukrainian F-16s
Thanks to international support, Ukraine is receiving modern aircraft like the F-16, which significantly strengthens its ability to fight effectively in the air. The F-16AM/BM Fighting Falcon, or Block 20 MLU (Mid-Life Update) models, provided to the Ukrainian army were previously part of the air forces of Western countries, mainly the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway. The F-16AM is a single-seater variant, while the F-16BM is a two-seater version often used for training purposes but retaining full combat capabilities.
Although these machines come from earlier generations of F-16s, the MLU modernization has made their combat capabilities comparable to later Block 50/52 versions. They have been equipped with modern avionics, communication systems compliant with NATO requirements, modern AN/APG-66(V)2 Doppler radars, and the ability to use a wide range of precision weaponry. This includes JDAM-guided bombs, AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles.
