“I believe it could be a real game changer for the counter-offensive and for the entire war, because the F-16 is capable of doing a lot of crucial work for our forces, for our resistance.” “Our counteroffensive could be much more effective and much safer for our guys on the ground ,” Juice says. Despite first entering production in the 1980s, it has gone through several upgrades, making it more advanced and versatile that any jet Ukraine currently has in its fleet, and a fierce rival for most Russian aircraft, with the exception of newer models that Moscow has hesitated to deploy in Ukraine. The US-made jet has air-to-air refueling capabilities and is compatible with most NATO weapons already being supplied to Ukraine. A Mig-29 pilot, with the call sign “Juice,” acknowledges the difficulties facing the Ukrainian air force and says Western nations could help by providing Ukraine with the coveted F-16s. In total, Ukraine has received 45 Su-25s and Mig-29s from NATO and allied nations in Europe – but it’s not just a numbers game. “Continuously, all day long, they work either by helicopters or by airplanes,” said the commander, who goes by the call sign “Spas.” “In general, aviation support is sorely lacking.” Still, Spas added grounded forces were making progress nonetheless.
“Their aviation works in waves, as it was in Vietnam, Afghanistan,” says a deputy commander in one of the units with the 128 Separate Territorial Defense Brigade said. Russia still maintains air superiority, which makes it difficult for ground forces to advance. One of the main issues Kyiv’s ground forces have faced as the counteroffensive gets underway is Russian air power holding them back.
“I think we increase the morale of our ground forces too.” “When we complete mission our guys on the ground send us thank you messages,” Pumba says.
Limited in their numbers and reach, they still provide valuable air support.
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