Originally Posted by
HUTCHP
What exactly do the experts think that Ukraine can do with new fighter jets ? According to the RUSI reports Russian was very effective at shooting down Ukrainian aircraft in the early part of the war. Much more so than was ever initially reported. Now in the occupied regions Russia also has a very good integrated air defence system. So Ukraine are not going to be able to operate these jets very effectively are they. ? What kind of role is envisaged for them ? Maybe just a deterrent for the Russian AF not to operate ? I fear the first shoot down of a 'modern Western jet ( like the inevitable first tank kill ) is going to be a big propaganda coup for the Russians.
Hutch
This is what a lot of the armchair quarterbacks here are missing IMO.
Jets aren't going to turn the tide of the war, sending jets will sadly mean more dead Ukr pilots.
The Russians are still operating effective IADS at the FLOT and in the occupied areas that is still claiming Ukr aviation to this day. A token handful of western FJs are not going to enable the Ukr to run proper SEAD missions.
What we should be focusing on is sending things that make a difference now.....manpads, tube and mlrs arty, armoured vehicles and most importantly ammunition.