A Russian Su-35 Flanker took out a UAF MiG-29 in aerial combat last June 26 as losses for Kyiv mounted as Russia's forces steamrolled Ukrainian forces in the air and the ground. The Defense Ministry confirmed the Fulcrum was shot down close to Zelenodolsk in the Dnepropetrovsk Region.
New Flanker Model Proven Superior
Reported loss of another Ukrainian Air Force following after NATO is rendered to keep Ukrainian fighters airborne, with spare parts and armaments; mentioned Military Watch.
Once the Soviet Union collapsed, the Ukrainian Air Force acquired approximately 200 MiG-29 fighters, however, its fleet was only sustained at about 35 aircraft in the 2010s, with low training hours and accessibility rates hindering efficiency. But the Ukrainian forces have lost at the frontline after Russian forces overwhelmed them in the air and attacks on airfields had damaged units. More planes were replaced from the war's start on February 24.
Even the heavier Su-27 fighters, though better, had suffered casualties due to the Su-35 of the Russian Air Force that tore apart Ukrainian planes in the initial weeks. This forced the MiG-29 units to be used because of their shorter take-off distance and easier maintenance. They were intended to be deployed to the European frontlines against NATO by Soviet and Warsaw Pact forces during the Cold War, having entered the Soviet Air Force in 1982.
Technological Gap of the Fulcrum
Though the UAF MiG-29 is a great lightweight fighter, it is not good enough compared to the Su-27 in several aspects. Its endurance, sensors, and air-to-air strengths fell short compared to the Sukhoi Su-35, noted Daily Banner.
The MiG-29 is twenty years older than the heavier fighter, a significant factor that cannot be ignored. The Ukrainians ended up overmatched in the end with a Russian Su-35 Flanker.
Despite having agility in aerial combat compared to equivalent fighters for its size, the plane is shorthanded regarding its operational sensors, older avionics, and armament that need to be upgraded. This makes them almost useless in the modern era in which they are forced to fight, and the Su-35s have easy pickings without stressing their airframes.
Su-57 Felon Enters Combat
No doubt, the MiG-29 would be a guaranteed crashing mass of steel if it encounters a stark mismatch against a new frontline Russian fighter. The Su-57 Felon has been sent to the front in small numbers.
Involved in the aerial engagements is the Su-35, which was one of the Russian aerial units that are major players in operation from airfields in Russia and ally Belarus.
Though not 5th generation but a 4++ gen fighter, the Su-35 is equipped with three phased array radars, with two AESA, including the Khibiny-M electronic warfare suite; that will make the 80's fighter dead meat.
Engaging the electronic warfare equipment to blind the sensors of MiG-29, then fire R-77 radar-guided missiles for the kill and not need to engage.
Superior Russian Fighters with modern capabilities outclass the Ukrainian Forces in the air, which led to overall air superiority. It is no surprise that the Russian Su-35 Flanker would have the advantage over older and obsolete UAF MiG-29 fighters. Add the Felon 5th generation and 4++ gen fighters, then Kyiv will have a losing air war.
Related Article : 5th Generation Russian Fighter: The Sukhoi Su-57 Felon Gets Major Upgrades With New Engine, Mounts Hypersonic Missiles
