Ukraine to replace aging Soviet MiG-29 and su-27 best suited American F-15EX Eagle II, not the American F-35 Lightning II, which "see" a Russian radar station (RLS), said in an interview with Defense Express the former President and former chief designer of Antonov state company Alexander Moose.
In his opinion, the modernization of the MiG-29 and Su-27 does not make sense, since it requires new spare parts, the purchase or independent production of which "in no way creates new opportunities and abilities." In his opinion, after 2035, these aircraft can become "museum exhibits".
Los admitted that Ukraine hardly needs the American F-35 Lightning II, since Russian radars "see" stealth aircraft. "We must understand that the F-35 will not take root in Ukraine. Even when we become members of NATO. Because we are on the border with Russia, a solid radar field of the Russian army, which is already able to fix inconspicuous objects, " the former designer said.
According to him, Ukraine should choose the American F-15EX Eagle II to replace the MiG-29 and Su-27. Los noted that this aircraft is a real "air store", capable of carrying 24 units of heavy weapons and operating from long distances.
The former designer added that the target designation of the F-15EX Eagle II could be provided by the F-35 Lightning II. "Ukraine cannot realize this task by itself. However, together with Poland and the Baltic states, the creation of a unified air defense system is a very real task," the former president of Antonov admitted.
In March, military observer Anton Lavrov said that Ukraine's hypothetical purchase of fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighters manufactured by the American company Lockheed Martin "can only be welcomed". Thus, he commented on the plans of the Ukrainian Air Force Command, presented in March, suggesting a desire to purchase the F-35 Lightning II at an unnamed time.
In February [...], the F-15EX Eagle II fighter took off for the first time, which is considered the most advanced version of the F-15 Eagle. The aircraft can become the most armed fighter in the world and will complement the F-35 Lightning II in particularly difficult missions.
Ivan Potapov
