The tactic could become even more effective when the Ukrainian Air Force starts operating the new Swedish-made Saab JAS-39 Gripen fighters
Ukraine is preparing a new approach to make its airstrikes against Russia more effective. Ukrainian warplanes will begin attacking their targets in pairs, according to the Telegram channel “The Commander Speaks”, cited by Euromaidan.
This is a key tactic of the Russian Air Force itself, which has launched KAB glide bombs via a Sukhoi Su-30 or Su-34 under the escort of a Su-35 or Su-30.
The operation consists of flying a jet at low altitude with a load of precision glide bombs, which are expected to target Russian forces in or near the gray zone. A second jet flies at a higher altitude, with the function of protecting the bomber. And it does so by launching an air-to-air missile at any Russian aircraft that tries to intervene in the attack.
“A single plane approaches aggressively, ascends and releases its cargo”, wrote that channel on Telegram. According to the Ukrainian news portal, when an aircraft flies at low altitude and suddenly climbs it becomes easier to detect and intercept. It is precisely at this moment that enemy air patrols can open fire on the rising jet.
But the Ukrainians maintain “a second aircraft – usually an F-16 – at a distance”, becoming an element of surprise for Russian defenses. It is this second fighter that launches an air-to-air missile, or an AIM-120, if it is a North American F-16.
An insight into daily air combat over Ukraine from a Russian channel:
Ukrainian aircraft often work in teams of two, with the bomber aircraft moving towards the target at a high speed while its wingman, often an F-16, sits behind and watches for Russian air superiority fighters.…
— Woofers (@NotWoofers)
The missile may not shoot down the approaching Russian Sukhoi Su-35 or Su-30, but it may force the Russian plane to perform evasive maneuvers and abandon the attempt to intercept the Ukrainian aircraft that has just launched its satellite-guided glide bombs.
The tactic could become even more effective when the Ukrainian Air Force begins operating the new Swedish-made Saab JAS-39 Gripen fighters.
