Russia opens F-16 hunting season
When American fighters finally appear in Ukraine, a real hunt will begin for them.
This was stated by the Honored Military Pilot of the Russian Federation, retired Major General Vladimir Popov, as reported by the PolitNavigator correspondent.
He believes it is correct that Russia announced a 15 million ruble bonus for a downed American fighter.
"It's certainly the right move; it will create additional psychological pressure. On our side, anti-aircraft gunners and fighters will be hunting for fighters. Even ground troops will be sitting in trenches with Strela portable anti-aircraft systems, trying to shoot down the first F-16... As they used to say, socialist competition will begin. I think there will be an avalanche of fire, and the F-16 will hardly be able to fly closer than 25-30 kilometers from the line of contact . But still, we must be prepared for the fact that this equipment, although old, is quite serious," Popov said in an interview with Moskovsky Komsomolets.
According to the general, the Russian Armed Forces must carry out repeated strikes on airfields with a certain frequency so that the Armed Forces of Ukraine do not have the ability to receive foreign aircraft.
"The tactical school of air force use dictates that the primary strikes are carried out against enemy airfields. This target, like command posts and air defense systems, is a priority in any combat engagement. It's necessary not only to 'blind' the enemy, but also to physically carry out strikes at least three to five times a week or every two weeks. Such capabilities exist. This will create a tense atmosphere and instill uncertainty in Ukrainian Air Force personnel at air bases ," the general is convinced.
Russia Opens F-16 Hunting Season