I retired to help Ukraine fight. The key to victory is in the sky.

For the past month, the whole world has been watching the sky over Ukraine. And for good reason: Since World War II, air superiority has Determinants in international conflicts.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is well aware that control of the skies is key to victory in Ukraine. Air superiority would allow Russia to defend its ground forces and easily attack the Ukrainian army from the air. This is why the Ukrainian air force was the original target of Russia. On February 24, the first day of the war, Russia Attack the airport and air defense baseto 25 cities across the country.

Before this all-out offensive, the primary task of the Ukrainian air force was to prevent Russia from gaining air superiority. The difficulty of this task cannot be overstated: The enemy possesses extremely superior abilitiesboth in terms of the number of aircraft and their air-to-ground defense systems as well as their technological level.

Effective air defense required a full arsenal of tools on the ground and in the air, and Ukraine started the war at a huge disadvantage on both fronts. According to our internal data, Russia has 6 times more aircraft and 10 times more air combat power than Ukraine. More, Russian jets are equipped with advanced “fire and forget” rockets. These missiles have their own radar system, no need for further guidance after launch. In contrast, Ukrainian jets rely on semi-active missiles, which require constant guidance from the aircraft’s radar.

In practice, this meant that Russian pilots could launch a missile and immediately retreat to safety; Our pilots must fly with the missile to guide it to its target, at great risk.

At the beginning of March, our allies presented the idea of ​​transferring Polish MiG-29s to Ukraine to answer our call for fighters. These Soviet-made jets have get some upgrades to meet NATO standards. However, they have the same outdated radar and missile technology as our current fleet. Pilots will continue to sit on these planes – easy targets for the enemy.

Powerful land-based air defense systems can play an important role in deterring air strikes and missile attacks. On the ground as well as in the air, the right toolset is key. Ukraine relies on long range Missile system S-300, featuring outdated technology from the Soviet era. According to our intelligence, Russia uses the much more powerful S-400 system – and it has many more.

This is why, from the very first days of the war, we asked our allies for support in the skies. To effectively defend its territory, Ukraine requires at least a fleet of modern fighter aircraft, such as the US-made F-16 or F-15. By our estimation, our pilots can learn to fly such jets at lightning speed within two to three weeks. This timeline is based on two reasons.

First, today’s extreme circumstances lead to an unmatched level of motivation. We have seen our pilots perform the unthinkable as they defended their homes and lands against the Russian invaders. Second, many of our pilots have undergone new hands-on training methods that I adopted during my time as an air force commander – methods designed to put practice ahead of theory. and quickly brought the pilot into the cockpit.

In addition to fighters, we need long-range missile defense systems – at least the same S-400 that the enemy uses, and ideally more advanced options like the Land Missile System. Norwegian Advanced Air Defense or American Patriots.

Unfortunately, despite our pleas, our allies in the West have not provided the requested equipment. Leading up to the Russian invasion, the West cited some concerns about supplying Ukraine with more advanced air defense systems. At the top of the list is fear provoking Putin Western politicians hope their restraint will bring about a reasonable, negotiated end to the war.

But the past few weeks have made the innocence of such positions clear. Putin pledged to continue this fight. He has give up negotiating; his soldiers committed atrocities that grew more and more serious every day; his media openly called for the complete destruction of Ukraine.

Now, the world is beginning to see what we have known since February 24. The only hope to stop this war is the resistance of the Ukrainians. Like most dictators, Putin takes advantage of weakness and responds only to strength. And military power requires the right weapons.

So far, the United States has sent us Stingers, which has a very limited range and capabilities, therefore, cannot shoot down the majority of Russian threats in the air. We have also successfully used drones to attack Russian military positions; Unfortunately, these can only serve as complements to fighter aircraft and surface-to-air missile systems, not replacing them.

So, how has the Ukrainian air force managed to hold out so far without the necessary tools to organize a successful air defense? Two invisible elements come to mind.

First, Ukrainian pilots are known for their adaptability. The innovative training methods I implemented a few years ago prepare our pilots to think strategically, be flexible under pressure, and master new technologies with ease. For many years we have organized joint exercises with the California National Guard; Our colleagues in the US Air Force were able to demonstrate first-hand the skills of our pilots.

Our second advantage over the Russians is our driving force. Like our brothers in Ukraine’s ground forces, we stand united in our determination to defend our country from Russian aggressors. Our patriotism and dedication contrast with the Russians, who kill civilians in a misguided campaign to steal territory.

But let me be very clear. Skill and engine alone cannot defeat the enemy with an exponentially larger and more advanced air force. Western leaders stand by and applaud our pilots’ courage while continuing to deny them the tools they need. It feels like they could sacrifice our air force and Ukraine with it.

On Russian social networks about the news channels we are following, the Russians boast that there is a no-fly zone over Ukraine – enforced by Russia. They claim that the Ukrainian pilots are no longer able to leave the ground and that Ukraine’s ground defenses have been destroyed.

This is not true – yet. But this is the future our partners in the West are choosing as they withhold needed aid. This is the outcome we are aiming for as our allies pretend we can defend our skies with Stingers instead of providing fighters and long-range defenses on the ground. .

I do not insist on the direct military involvement of other countries in this war. Our talented and brave air force is ready to fight our enemies. But we must immediately get the tools they need to do their job.

at Blogtuan.info – Source: nbcnews.com – Read the original article here