**Russia’s Air Dominance Continues Over Ukraine**
The war in Ukraine has been marked by a significant imbalance in air power, with Russia’s advanced fleet continuing to hold sway over the skies. Colonel Ihnat, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force, has starkly highlighted the difference between Russian and Ukrainian jets, likening it to comparing a simple pistol to a high-powered sniper rifle.
Despite the recent arrival of F-16 fighter jets in Ukraine, the balance of power has not shifted significantly in favor of Kyiv. Colonel Ihnat attributed this to the small number of jets received by Ukraine. This disparity is all the more striking when compared to Russia’s extensive aviation fleet, which includes both tactical and strategic aircraft.
**Tactical Aviation Takes a Toll**
Russia’s tactical aviation has been actively engaged in combat, with fighter jets like the Su-25 and MiG-29, as well as attack helicopters, being used extensively. However, these units have faced significant attrition due to Ukrainian strikes. The Russian Air Force has also made use of long-range bombers, such as the Tu-95 and Tu-22M3, which have launched missile attacks deep into Ukrainian territory.
**Russia’s Air Superiority**
The advanced nature of Russia’s aviation capabilities has allowed it to maintain air superiority over Ukraine. Colonel Ihnat emphasized that modern Russian aircraft can see farther and shoot farther than their Ukrainian counterparts, with the added advantage of a powerful air defense system. This significant disparity in air power will likely continue to pose a challenge for Ukraine as the conflict unfolds.
**The Need for More Jets**
As the war continues, Ukraine will need to acquire more advanced fighter jets like the F-16 in order to shift the balance of power in its favor. Until then, Russia’s air dominance is expected to remain a major hurdle for the Ukrainian military.
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