[Goose]

Nice prediction.

I wish I could claim it as a prediction. It was a hope. Actually I am surprised Ukraine got as "modern" an aircraft as they did. Sweden has some even older but similar aircraft. These aircraft were theoretically serviceable, but I kind of doubted that was true. Getting an aircraft from the current inventory is a real coup.

 I was pleasantly surprised to see this. While there is probably nothing short of a giant pile of JASSMs that will be as effective a force-multiplier for the forthcoming F16s, my understanding of the complexity of using AWACS to control air ops was that it would be too much to add mid-war. Partly this was based on the Russians apparent inability to use their Mainstays to their capabilities. I am happy to see the Swedes disagree with that assessment.

We will see how this works out. Initially using this capability to match F-16s to incoming drones and cruise missiles will be good training to do the more complex task of controlling the air battle when the other side has aircraft that can evade and maneuver. Drones generally don't do that :-).

 
I also wonder how effective a single airframe can be. Beggars can't be choosers and all, and I know they have a long dwell time in the air, but Ukraine will have to pick and choose its spots to maximize effectiveness.

This is indeed a concern. In the defensive anti-drone anti cruise missile battle I can see Ukraine flying the wings off their only platform. I think Sweden actually has two more aircraft in service, and Ukraine has a track  record of being very persuasive :-). We can only hope this approach works well enough to make it an issue.

[Goose]

Nice prediction.

I wish I could claim it as a prediction. It was a hope. Actually I am surprised Ukraine got as "modern" an aircraft as they did. Sweden has some even older but similar aircraft. These aircraft were theoretically serviceable, but I kind of doubted that was true. Getting an aircraft from the current inventory is a real coup.

 I was pleasantly surprised to see this. While there is probably nothing short of a giant pile of JASSMs that will be as effective a force-multiplier for the forthcoming F16s, my understanding of the complexity of using AWACS to control air ops was that it would be too much to add mid-war. Partly this was based on the Russians apparent inability to use their Mainstays to their capabilities. I am happy to see the Swedes disagree with that assessment.

We will see how this works out. Initially using this capability to match F-16s to incoming drones and cruise missiles will be good training to do the more complex task of controlling the air battle when the other side has aircraft that can evade and maneuver. Drones generally don't do that :-).

 
I also wonder how effective a single airframe can be. Beggars can't be choosers and all, and I know they have a long dwell time in the air, but Ukraine will have to pick and choose its spots to maximize effectiveness.

This is indeed a concern. In the defensive anti-drone anti cruise missile battle I can see Ukraine flying the wings off their only platform. I think Sweden actually has two more aircraft in service, and Ukraine has a track  record of being very persuasive :-). We can only hope this approach works well enough to make it an issue.