In light of the superior capabilities of Russia's fighter aircraft, Ukrainian pilots appear to be flying very cautiously and fearfully in the skies, with the ultimate goal of avoiding collisions with Russian jets, according to recent reports.
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Οι νέες ρωσικές πυραυλικές επιθέσεις ήταν μόνο η κορυφή του παγόβουνου-Έρχονται τρομερά κύματα βομβαρδισμών σε Κίεβο και κεντρική Ουκρανία
The Russians describe them as "chickens"
More specifically, Ivan, the commander of a Russian Air Force squadron, said that Ukrainian pilots choose not to complete their mission and retreat rather than face Russian fighters in the skies.
In a video released by the Russian Defense Ministry, Ivan said that on one occasion, when Russian systems had detected a Ukrainian aircraft flying to complete a fighter mission, the Ukrainian aircraft chose to return to its base when it saw Russian interceptor jets approaching it.
Ivan stressed that Ukrainian pilots actively try to avoid engagement with Russian aircraft at all costs. In addition, footage presented by the Russian Defense Ministry demonstrates flights by Russian Su-35S fighter jets, including one flown by Ivan.
In this particular case, Ivan was flying such a fighter and patrolling the airspace over an area of the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war, while detecting transmissions from a Ukrainian radar station.
Acting according to protocol, the Russian relayed the information he gathered to the command post and received approval to launch an air-to-surface missile.
"As a result of the launch of an air-launched guided missile, the emissions from the Ukrainian radar station disappeared. On the basis of reconnaissance means, the destruction of the target was confirmed," the Kremlin added.
At the same time, Commander Ivan is quite optimistic that the US F-16 fighters requested by Ukraine will not make it difficult for the Russian pilots.
Russian experts and military officials believe that the country's current fighter fleet can effectively counter the US-made F-16s in the areas of speed and weaponry.
Earlier this month, Russian military expert Anatoly Matsvyuchuk stressed that despite availability, a Russian fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jet can easily outperform not only the F-16 but also the newer American F-22 and F-35.
The Russian expert emphasized the fact that this promising Russian aircraft is equal if not superior to its American counterparts in various areas.
