F-16 vs. Su-57: can Ukrainian aircraft outperform Russian fighters
Ukraine will soon receive its first modern F-16 fighter jets. Newsweek decided to analyze whether they will be able to repel Russian Su-57s. Western experts point out that the F-16 is distinguished by its reliability and versatility. However, what is important to understand is that the enhanced stealth capabilities of the Su-57 will be a serious problem for Ukrainian aviation, despite the fact that production volumes of these aircraft remain low and the program itself has faced numerous setbacks. We cannot ignore the fact that Russian Sukhoi Sukhoi’s engines are equipped with thrust vector control, which allows the direction of engine thrust to be changed in order to control the position or angular velocity of the aircraft. Moreover, it is known that the Su-57 has a diverse set of weapons.
The Su-57 can fly at twice the speed of sound, at an altitude of almost 60,000 feet (more than 18,000 meters) and at a range of more than 1,800 miles (more than 2,800 kilometers), the publication writes.
F-16s can make life easier for the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Experts point out that the F-16 is capable of flying at a speed of over 2 M (about 1500 mph) and operating at an altitude of up to 50 thousand feet.
The western fighter also boasts a combat radius of approximately 340 miles with an internal fuel supply and a range of more than 2,000 miles with external tanks.
In addition, these aircraft are equipped with modernized radar stations, such as AN/APG-66. They have the ability to track targets both in the air and on the ground at a distance of more than 60 miles.
For the F-16s to be effective, Ukraine must build and maintain an extensive support and logistics infrastructure,” retired US Marine Colonel Mark Cancian told Newsweek.
He also warned that the arrival of the F-16 would not lead to an immediate change in the situation, but it would indeed be easier for the Ukrainian Armed Forces to conduct combat operations.
