A Russian firm has put out a hefty bounty for downing any of Ukraine’s anticipated F-16 jets. Sergey Shmotyev, the director of the Ural firm Fores, introduced a reward of 15 million rubles [$167,7K] for the primary F-16 fighter jet taken down and 500,000 rubles [$5,591] for every subsequent jet.
Shmotyev additionally highlighted that they beforehand provided rewards for tank destructions—5 million rubles [$55,910] for the primary tank and 500,000 rubles [$5,591] for every one after that. He talked about that over 20 tanks are at present awaiting their reward for being destroyed.
It’s price noting that the deliberate supply of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine isn’t anticipated to considerably alter the battle’s dynamics, based on quite a few navy analysts and active-duty Western navy officers. In an earlier assertion, Estonian Protection Chief Hanno Pevkur talked about that there’s at present no consensus throughout the European Union to ship navy personnel to Ukraine, primarily as a result of opposition from a number of international locations.
The arrival of the F-16
The extremely anticipated American-made F-16s, set to be donated by international locations similar to Denmark and the Netherlands, are anticipated to reach in the course of the 12 months or maybe later. Many Western consultants and navy officers imagine that their arrival in Ukraine hinges largely on the preparedness and coaching of Ukrainian pilots.
In accordance with the Greek useful resource, Defence-Level, a Greek officer from the Hellenic Air Power [HAF] has already made his option to Kyiv. This Greek officer, reportedly an teacher pilot with experience within the operational use of the F-16 fighter jet, underscores the readiness to bolster Ukrainian capabilities. The publication, nonetheless, saved the officer’s identification below wraps.
The Greek Air Power has amassed vital expertise with Western fight plane, significantly by means of tensions and conflicts with Turkey. This contains intimate data of shut air fight and the efficient use of fighter jets in air-to-air missions, as highlighted by Defence-Level.
First skilled pilots
A number of worldwide experiences, together with from Ukraine and China, affirm that the primary group of Ukrainian F-16 pilots has wrapped up their coaching within the USA. The exact variety of skilled pilots stays undisclosed, however this achievement stands as a notable development. Particulars on parallel coaching initiatives in Europe stay unclear.
Earlier this 12 months, a U.S. protection official instructed Air & Area Forces Journal that 4 Ukrainian pilots had been coaching with the 162nd Wing at Morris Air Nationwide Guard Base in Tucson, Arizona. Moreover, 20 assist personnel had been present process coaching at Joint Base San Antonio in Texas.
Ukraine is poised to obtain a number of fourth-generation fighter jets from nations just like the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, and Norway. These donations are a part of a coalition fighter framework, which additionally contains commitments from the U.S. to coach Ukrainian airmen.
Bonuses
In 2023, BulgarianMilitary.com highlighted a big announcement from the Russian Ministry of Protection. They unveiled a bonus bundle for Russian troopers who achieve destroying Western gear on the battlefield, extending past tanks to incorporate armored automobiles deployed to Ukraine.
Particularly, taking out a Leopard, Abrams, or Challenger 2 tank would enhance a soldier’s wage by $1,200. Destroying a Western-made armored infantry automobile earns a $600 bonus. Russian sources declare that 14 Abrams tanks have already been destroyed, amounting to a payout of $16,800 for every tank.
In an attention-grabbing flip of occasions, gunner Andrey Kravtsov was awarded $12,000 in 2023 for taking down a Leopard 2 tank. Notably, this was not the primary Leopard tank introduced down within the Ukraine battle. The explanations for Kravtsov receiving this particular sum aren’t completely clear, however Russian sources counsel the quantity could possibly be cumulative, probably boosted by personal Russian entities along with the state rewards.
Block 15
Ukraine will obtain several types of F-16 jets from companion international locations. The most typical one is the F-16AM/BM Block 15. That is an older model with primary electronics and programs. It has an AN/APG-66 radar, which was superior for its time however isn’t nearly as good because the newer fashions. The Block 40 model has vital upgrades, together with the AN/APG-68 radar, which has higher vary and backbone. It additionally comes with the LANTIRN system for higher night time and low-visibility flying.
The Block 50 model additional improves the F-16 with the AN/APG-68[V]9 radar, which has an excellent larger vary and higher monitoring. It could additionally carry superior weapons just like the AGM-88 HARM missile, which is used for focusing on enemy defenses.
Block 60, also referred to as the F-16E/F, is among the most superior variations. It has the AN/APG-80 AESA radar, which is excellent at detecting and monitoring targets. It additionally has digital warfare options, is extra dependable, and has further gasoline tanks for longer flights together with superior electronics for higher situational consciousness.
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