The Ukrainian Armed Forces Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk stated that the Ukrainian aircraft involved in the incident went down the moment they lifted off from the airfield and entered the disaster zone. He made the remarks during an interview with the Rada TV channel.
Oleshchuk explained that Ukrainian fighters are facing a substantial disadvantage against the Russian Su-35. He noted that while the Su-35 can be detected by radar at roughly 400 kilometers, Ukrainian aircraft lose sight of the threat much earlier, with detection ranges around 80 to 90 kilometers. When the affected area is considered, the Su-35’s effective reach exceeds 200 kilometers, whereas Ukrainian MiG-29s and Su-27s see targets only within a 20 to 40 kilometer window. He added that climb times from the field are often insufficient, leaving Ukrainian planes already within an enemy destruction zone before they can ascend to altitude.
According to Oleshchuk, the fight pattern shows a persistent ratio from Russian forces, with up to nine Russian aircraft converging on a single Ukrainian jet. He described the persistent and overwhelming nature of these encounters, underscoring the systemic challenges faced by Ukrainian pilots in the face of superior long-range sensors and air defense networks.
James Hecker, who previously commanded the United States Air Force, commented that American F-16 fighters will bring new capabilities to the Ukrainian Air Force. Hecker stressed that these aircraft are unlikely to break through Russia’s heavily fortified air defenses on their own. He noted that Russian forces are quick to adapt to new weapons systems introduced to Ukraine and will adjust their tactics accordingly to counter the presence of F-16s.
Earlier discussions within NATO circles referred to plans around the potential deployment and integration of F-16 fighters into Ukrainian operations, highlighting the broader shift in air power assistance and the strategic balance in the region.