Image source: topwar.ru
American fifth-generation F-35 fighters are not always able to detect Russian air defense systems, despite the presence of special equipment. Such a problem was faced by the pilots of the US Air Force, who were transferred together with the planes to Europe to patrol the airspace near the Russian and Belarusian borders. This is written by AirForceTimes.
The command of the US Air Force has sent F-35 fighters to the eastern flank of NATO, as flights near the Russian borders against the background of the special operation that has begun in Ukraine are an ideal place for testing aircraft. In February last year, the Americans transferred fighters of the 388th fighter wing of the US Air Force and the 419th Fighter Wing of the reserve to Germany, the planes were initially located at the German airbase Shpagdal.
The F-35A pilots flew in the airspace near the Russian and Belarusian borders, paying special attention to the Kaliningrad region. The task was to open the Russian air defense system for the "NATO leadership". The pilots who participated in the operation said that the plane coped with it perfectly and in general it is "the best car", but there was a problem with the Russian S-300 complexes. As it turned out, the F-35 could not determine the location of this complex if "digital evasion equipment" was working on it. At the same time, the pilot could visually observe the complex.
Colonel Craig Andrle said.
Another F-35 pilot who participated in flights near the Russian border admitted that despite the confrontation, there were no provocations from Russian and Belarusian pilots.
Colonel Brad Bashor added.