The war in Ukraine continues with particular intensity, especially in Eastern Ukraine in the region of Bakhmut, while for their part the US-NATO continue to upgrade the provision of military assistance to Kiev.
Thus, after the supply of modern tanks Leopard, Abrams, TOMB, TOMA, PEP from the West to the Ukrainians, it became known that thoughts are now turning to the supply of F-16 fighter jets, even equipped with the deadly long-range air-to-air missile AIM-120 , which, if it happens, will turn the tables on the military operations taking place in the long-suffering country.
Such a thing, however, would be a very advanced move to involve the US in the war, which could provoke an angry reaction from Moscow, without being able to assess what it will be.
US intends to install AIM-120 on Ukrainian MIG fighters
But in addition to these, as International reputable media reveals, the United States is reportedly considering whether the AIM-120 air-to-air missiles, which are often mounted on F-16 fighters, could be integrated into Ukraine's Soviet-era warplanes.
"In a recent effort to upgrade outdated air assets with modern capabilities in preparation for the bloody spring ahead, the US military is considering the feasibility of integrating advanced Western air-to-air missiles into Ukraine's fighter jets," Politico also reported.
The report, which cited two unnamed defense ministry officials and another person involved in the discussions, said officials are looking at fitting advanced AIM-120 air-to-air missiles to Ukraine's existing MiGs.
These reports come as Ukrainian officials have stepped up their calls to US senators to send them modern F-16 fighter jets, while according to the EurAsian Times two Ukrainian fighter pilots are being trained in the fighters in the United States.
The Ukrainian Air Force operates archaic Soviet-era fighter jets that have often been shot down by Russian warplanes that launch attacks from their airspace using long-range air-to-air missiles.
Although neither side has established air superiority, Kiev needs modern air capability to counter the advanced and numerically superior Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS).
Here comes the idea of integrating AIM-120s into Ukraine's fighter jets.
If the project succeeds, the US will provide Ukrainian aircraft with their first capability to launch these advanced air-to-air missiles.
The Ukrainian military has already received AIM-120s for use as surface-to-air missiles and will be able to take advantage of the supply lines that already exist for these weapons.
The US has also delivered air-to-surface missiles such as the AGM-88B which can be mounted on Ukraine's MiG fighters and used against ground targets such as radars and air defense systems of the Russian Armed Forces.
In addition, the Pentagon has also supplied Ukraine with Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM), turning the bombs dropped into smart bombs with a very small CEP, increasing their lethality.
However, the integration of AIM-120s into MiGs would mark the first time the US has air-to-air missiles to fire from another type of aircraft.
However, as simple and ambitious as the US plan and consideration is, it is also fraught with challenges and experts believe it could be too good to be true.
In addition, Western and Ukrainian intelligence officials have warned that Russia is already preparing for a massive spring offensive, so the time to implement the above is very short.
A complex task
A Pentagon official and another person with knowledge of the project told Politico that the integration process is complex. The sources said the missile must not only be fitted to the aircraft, but must also communicate with the aircraft's radar.
The fundamental problem that the US is called upon to solve is that the missile and the aircraft cannot communicate with each other, as the US and Soviet systems are incompatible.
In addition to the above, Ukrainian fighter jets do not have the appropriate radar to fully utilize the long range of the AIM-120.
The importance of AIM-120 in the war in Ukraine
Finally, if the US Air Force is able to place AMRAAMs on Ukrainian aircraft, these missiles will be a powerful tool for the Ukrainian Air Force to engage Russian aircraft and helicopters at long range.
There are reports that the Russian Air Force has massed helicopter gunships and fighter jets along the Ukrainian border, indicating an airstrike may be imminent.
However, if the Ukrainians are armed with AIM-120, such airstrikes could be prevented.
Thanks to its long range, the missile in question would prevent Russian aircraft from entering the combat zone, and the provision of close air support by Russia's air force to its ground forces fighting on the front lines would be prohibitive.
Finally AMRAAMs could shoot down drones and cruise missiles flying at low altitude.
