All articles tagged with #ukrainian air force
A Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jet crashed overnight in Poltava Oblast during a combat mission after communications with the aircraft were lost; the pilot successfully ejected and was evacuated to a medical facility. The causes are under investigation. Ukraine continues to rely on its MiG-29s, while Western fighters are gradually being integrated into its air force.
A video showing a Russian Lancet drone striking a Ukrainian Su-25 ground-attack aircraft has been revealed to be an attack on an elaborate decoy. The decoy, designed to resemble the Su-25, was remarkably accurate and fooled initial reports of a successful attack. The incident highlights the vulnerability of Ukrainian aircraft, both in the air and at their bases, as they face the ongoing conflict with Russia. The use of decoys by both sides underscores the need for electronic warfare equipment and ground-based air defense systems. The longer-range capabilities of the Lancet drone pose a growing threat to the Ukrainian Air Force, necessitating the development of more effective countermeasures.
A video shared by Ukraine's air force shows a MiG-29 fighter jet making an incredibly low pass, likely to avoid radar detection and surface-to-air missiles in the ongoing war. Flying low provides advantages in evading enemy systems, but it also increases the risk of accidents. Former aviators explain that flying at higher altitudes allows for more reaction time and serves as "life insurance." The video showcases the extreme low pass of the MiG-29, highlighting the risks involved in such maneuvers.
The Ukrainian Air Force has confirmed that a foreign-supplied Patriot air defense system was responsible for shooting down several Russian aircraft over Russian territory in May. The confirmation came from Col. Yuri Ignat, the Ukrainian Air Force spokesman, who stated that the Patriot system destroyed three Russian helicopters and two fighter jets in the Bryansk region. Ignat also highlighted the importance of Patriot batteries in defending against Russian missiles, including the Iskander and Kinzhal. The use of Patriot systems in the conflict has led to a shift in Russian aerial tactics.
The Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson, Yuri Ihnat, addressed the challenges posed by the increasing frequency of Russian Shahed kamikaze drone attacks on Ukraine. In September alone, a record 503 Shahed drones attacked the country, launched from three different directions. These drones fly in groups or "swarms," putting a strain on Ukrainian air defenses, especially when combined with cruise and ballistic missile attacks. Despite this, Ukraine has managed to destroy over 5,000 enemy UAVs during Russia's full-scale invasion.
Ukrainian air force Su-24 bombers launched cruise missiles at the Russian warship Askold, causing severe damage. This is the latest in a series of missile strikes by Ukraine on Russian warships, including a previous attack on a submarine and landing ship. The Ukrainian missiles pose a significant threat to the Black Sea Fleet, which has already lost several ships during the conflict. The missiles have tandem warheads that can penetrate hardened targets, making them highly effective against warships. The Ukrainian forces are deliberately targeting idle warships in their piers or drydocks. The attack on Askold is a strategic victory for Ukraine in its efforts to control the western Black Sea and protect its cargo ships.
Lieutenant General, Ukraine's Air Force Commander, has confirmed that Ukrainian forces have sunk a Russian warship, a Kalibr cruise missile carrier, in the city of Kerch. The destruction of the ship was initially uncertain but later confirmed by the Ukrainian Air Force. The incident occurred following explosions in Russian-occupied Crimea, and Ukrainian pilots carried out airstrikes on the Zaliv shipyard. The Russian Defence Ministry admitted that a warship of the Russian Black Sea Fleet had been "damaged".
Ukraine's drone unit, part of the 24th Mechanized Brigade, has reportedly destroyed $40 million worth of Russian military hardware in the past month. Equipped with state-of-the-art R18 octocopter drones, the unit has successfully targeted and destroyed enemy tanks and personnel. However, with the war dragging on, ensuring a steady supply of drones has become an issue, as China has officially banned its drone makers from exporting to Ukraine and Russia. Despite this, the unit continues to adapt and repair drones to save money. The commander of the unit expressed gratitude for the increased military support from the US, stating that drones save lives.
Ukrainian Air Force pilots are training to fly F-16 fighter jets using flight simulations, virtual reality headsets, and trainer aircraft in between their regular combat missions countering the Russian invasion. The pilots are adjusting to the differences between their Soviet-era jets and the US-made F-16s, including learning NATO standard controls, weapons systems, and flight controls. They are also taking English language classes to familiarize themselves with the F-16's controls and terminology. The F-16s, which were approved for delivery by the US last month, will enhance Ukraine's air capabilities and allow for integration with the US and its NATO partners.
The Ukrainian Air Force has released a cockpit video showing a MiG-29 fighter successfully shooting down a Russian Orlan drone. The video, posted on YouTube, provides a glimpse of the MiG-29's head-up display (HUD) and shows the speed and altitude of the aircraft during the engagement. The video suggests the use of a radar-homing R-27 series air-to-air missile. The Orlan drone, primarily used for artillery spotting, has been adapted to carry electronic warfare payloads. The engagement highlights the challenges of targeting small drones and the need for improved capabilities, such as the F-16 fighters that Ukraine is set to receive.
The Ukrainian Air Force pays tribute to pilot Andriy Pilshchikov, known as "Juice," who died in a plane crash during a combat mission. Pilshchikov, a member of the "Ghost of Kyiv" unit, was a dedicated officer and advocate for reforms in the Air Force. He had campaigned for the supply of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine and believed they would enhance their counteroffensive capabilities. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and Ukraine continues to seek F-16s to combat Russian air superiority.
Three Ukrainian pilots, including a well-known pilot nicknamed "Juice," have died in a plane crash near the city of Zhytomyr. The pilots were performing a combat mission when their L-39 combat trainer aircraft collided in the sky. The Ukrainian Air Force expressed condolences and the State Bureau of Investigation of Ukraine is investigating the crash, focusing on the technical condition of the aircraft and compliance with flight preparation rules.
Ukraine's Su-27 Flanker fighters have been spotted carrying JDAM-ER GPS-guided glide bombs, in addition to the previously seen MiG-29 Fulcrums. The unique pylon construction on the Su-27 suggests that it was specifically developed to accommodate these weapons. The JDAM-ER is a kit applied to conventional bombs, providing them with inertial and GPS guidance and pop-out wings for increased range. The use of Su-27s offers advantages in terms of performance, range, and the ability to carry multiple weapons. The deployment of JDAM-ERs by Ukraine indicates a shift towards precision-guided munitions and a potential future integration with F-16 jets.
The Ukrainian Air Force, initially expected to be eliminated within hours or days in a war with Russia, has defied expectations and transformed into a long-range strike force. Despite losing 69 aircraft to ground-based air defenses, the air force has maintained its strength by restoring old airframes and acquiring new planes from NATO countries. It has also armed its front-line types with new Western munitions, significantly increasing their range and effectiveness. The next phase of transformation involves training Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16s, which will further enhance the air force's capabilities.
Ukrainian helicopter crew members have revealed that women in Ukraine flash them as they fly overhead to boost their morale in the face of the ongoing conflict with Russia. The crew saves the GPS locations of these incidents, which serve as lighthearted moments in their dangerous missions. One woman even proposed marriage by holding up a sign. The Ukrainian air force is struggling against a better-armed Russian counterpart, with limited ammunition and no aircraft to counter Russia's newest models. President Zelenskyy has called for Western powers to provide reinforcements to prevent heavy casualties.