Ukraine's skies: F‑16s vs. Russian jets - experts weigh in

Soon, Western F-16 fighter jets will appear over Ukraine, potentially facing off against Russian Su-30SMs, among others. Is there a clear favorite in this confrontation? Former Indian Air Force pilot Anil Chopra discussed this.

This is not the first time expert opinions have emerged regarding the capabilities of the F-16 compared with Russian designs. Recently, American aviator Jeffrey Fisher commented on these American designs, comparing them with the most modern designs currently in the Russian Federation, namely the Su-57.

The US pilot pointed out that the F-16 has the upper hand in this duo. However, it is worth highlighting that Russians do not have many Su-57s. They currently have about 10 units, so the adversaries of the US machines in the sky will likely be other fighters—primarily the Su-30SM and Su-35. The former Indian military pilot assessed their effectiveness in light of the F-16.

Chopra notes that comparing the Su-30 to the F-16 is not entirely accurate. "It's like comparing apples to oranges," he explains. He points out that the performance of the Su-30SM should be compared to the F-15, and comparing the F-16 makes sense when assessing 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. Thus, it is a much easier fighter to detect by radar and visually. According to the pilot, the Su-30 does have an advantage over the F-16 in terms of maneuverability at high angles of attack and faster targeting. "The Su-30 exhibits greater agility and carries a larger payload," comments Chopra.

However, the pilot notes that the F-16 has a better missile arsenal. "Currently, the American AIM-120 surpasses the Russian R-77 in range," he states, noting that the American F-16s will most likely constantly be in the crosshairs of interceptor MiG-31 fighters, each with six long-range missiles.

"Pilot skills will be the decisive factor in air engagements," explains Chopra. The expert points out that the F-16s sent to Ukraine will not have "advanced radars and systems found in Block 70/72 variants," but they will still have a chance in the fight against Russian aircraft.

According to the Indian pilot, the Ukrainians' opportunity lies in a specific strategy that should be based on quickly closing in on the adversary and firing a long-range missile, followed by a return to base. Ultimately, Chopra does not speak very favorably about the American F-16s and straightforwardly states that in most scenarios, Russian fighters can pose a significant threat to the Ukrainians.

Let's recall that the F-16s going to the Ukrainian armed forces have a length of just under 33 feet and a wingspan of about 49 feet. The American fighter jet, which accelerates to Mach 2 (about 1,550 mph), has room for armament mounted on nine hardpoints.

For 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 wings spanning 48 feet. Additionally, it can carry armament on 12 hard points.