03-23-2023, 03:17 PM
https://www.yahoo.com/news/even-possible...00142.html
This article provides confirmation that the HARM missiles operating from the Ukrainian aircraft are very limited. It is indeed "pre-programmed" mode only. Better than nothing, but not much. The comments also confirm that the "upgrades" to the MIGs by Poland and Slovakia do not include any additional weapons capability. The improved communications and IFF, while essential to NATO operations, does absolutely nothing for use by Ukraine.
It appears that the Mirage 2000 "training" may indeed be a mirage. FWIW I think that is good. I do not think Mirage 2000s would fare well in Ukraine. That said, I think it is clear that for Ukraine to "win" this war, they are going to need a better air force. The US is mucking around with training two aviators to see how it would all go. Of course, had they started doing that in May of last year, we would have such aviators available now and the decision to send F-16s could be made (or denied) knowing the effect would be immediate. I don't see how we can be sure doing this a year from now will be possible. By then, Ukraine might not exist. If we have to do it to succeed, which I think is clearly the case, do it NOW!
This article provides confirmation that the HARM missiles operating from the Ukrainian aircraft are very limited. It is indeed "pre-programmed" mode only. Better than nothing, but not much. The comments also confirm that the "upgrades" to the MIGs by Poland and Slovakia do not include any additional weapons capability. The improved communications and IFF, while essential to NATO operations, does absolutely nothing for use by Ukraine.
It appears that the Mirage 2000 "training" may indeed be a mirage. FWIW I think that is good. I do not think Mirage 2000s would fare well in Ukraine. That said, I think it is clear that for Ukraine to "win" this war, they are going to need a better air force. The US is mucking around with training two aviators to see how it would all go. Of course, had they started doing that in May of last year, we would have such aviators available now and the decision to send F-16s could be made (or denied) knowing the effect would be immediate. I don't see how we can be sure doing this a year from now will be possible. By then, Ukraine might not exist. If we have to do it to succeed, which I think is clearly the case, do it NOW!