Russia has some formidable aircraft, including the Su-35, which was specifically designed to shoot down fighters such as the F-16.Įxperts have argued that aircraft like the F-16 are unlikely to engage in dogfights with Russian jets, with much resting on their weapons systems. But Kyiv's allies see the provision of Western fighter jets as a longer-term commitment to replenishing Ukraine's combat aircraft.Įxperts have judged Ukraine's air force to have performed well throughout the war, with neither side able to establish air superiority. Ukraine is currently operating Soviet-era jets, including the MiG-29, and has requested 100 Western jets, mostly F-16s for its air force. It is understood that Legacy Hornets, which first entered service in the early 1980s, could be supplied to Ukraine, rather than more advanced, post-Cold War, Super Hornets. Navy F/A-18C Hornet is pictured in flight. But although several countries have joined an "international coalition" of fighter jets, no nation has yet promised to furnish Kyiv with these aircraft.Ī U.S. Ukraine has long requested Western fighter jets from its international backers, and experts say the F-16 is the best choice of fourth-generation fighter for Ukraine's air force. It is understood that the Legacy Hornets, which first entered service in the early 1980s, are up for discussion, rather than the more advanced, post-Cold War Super Hornets. "There are still many hurdles to clear before the F/A-18s can be sent to Ukraine," an official familiar with talks between Kyiv, Canberra and Washington told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Canberra is currently upgrading its air force with U.S-made F-35s, but Washington would need to approve the transfer of the country's mothballed Legacy Hornet aircraft to Ukraine. Washington is "favorably disposed" to sending more than 40 retired Australian air force F/A-18 Hornets to support Ukraine's war effort, The Australian Financial Review reported on Tuesday. Ukrainian pilots and ground crew could be quickly brought up to speed to operate the Hornets with Ukrainian language training manuals to be produced.Īs reported by Ukrinform, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders earlier agreed to continue working on an official decision to create a coalition of fighter jets at the next Ramstein format meeting, after future consultations with the American side.Adding retired F/A-18 jets and their weapons systems to Ukraine's air force would make Kyiv's military an "even more dangerous" force, Newsweek has been told. It is noted that the planes are in good shape and can be operational within four months and used to help repel the Russian invasion. Read also: Zelensky, Cleverly discuss ‘ coalition of Patriot systems’ In exchange, Australia is buying 72 F-35 fighter jets from the US. The retired F/A-18s are sitting in a hangar at the Williamtown RAAF base outside Newcastle and unless sent to Ukraine, will either be scrapped or sold to a private sector aviation company, RAVN Aerospace, to train American pilots. Sources have told the publication that the US, which recently gave permission to other Western allies to supply Ukraine with advanced fighter jets, including US-made F-16s, is favourably disposed to the idea of sending Ukraine the F/A-18s. That’s according to The Australian Financial Review, Ukrinform reports.
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