Ukrainian Air Force Faces Challenges After Russia Shot Down Su-25, That’s Why It Wants Ex-American A-10 Thunderbolts

Defense News ,Ukrain Russia War :- In a tragic incident, Russian forces shot down a Ukrainian Sukhoi Su-25 attack jet during a combat sortie over eastern Ukraine, resulting in the death of veteran pilot Stanislav Rykov. As Ukraine mourns the loss, attention turns to the country's air force, particularly the 299th Tactical Aviation Brigade, the sole operator of the aging Su-25 fleet. Despite facing heavy losses, the brigade remains resilient, yet concerns arise about the future of its capabilities as the Su-25s begin to diminish.

The 299th Brigade started with a fleet of Su-25s inherited from the Soviet air force, and as of early 2022, around 43 of these aging planes were still operational. Despite Russia shooting down or destroying 18 Su-25s over the past two years, international support from Macedonia and Bulgaria replenished the losses with an equal number of donated aircraft. The brigade has managed to stay in the fight, but with the supply of excess Su-25s dwindling, Ukrainian officials are considering alternative options. Looking ahead, the Ukrainian air force acknowledges the need to plan for the eventual depletion of the Su-25 fleet. Some officials have expressed interest in acquiring ex-U.S. Air Force Fairchild Republic A-10 attack jets, similar to the Su-25 in terms of role but boasting superior protection and weaponry. However, political obstacles in the form of Russia-aligned Republicans in the U.S. Congress, who have obstructed further aid to Ukraine, present a challenge to obtaining American A-10s. General Oleksandr Syrsky, now head of the entire armed forces, sees the A-10 as a reliable and battle-tested aircraft with a wide range of capabilities for ground targets. However, the political landscape may force the 299th Brigade to explore alternative sources for aircraft support. With the U.S. Congress reluctance to provide aid, Ukrainian officials may turn to international partners for assistance. The 299th Brigade's options include seeking aircraft from countries like Norway, the Netherlands, and Denmark, which operate Lockheed Martin F-16s. Alternatively, France's Dassault Mirage 2000s could be considered as potential replacements. As the brigade weighs its options, the geopolitical situation and diplomatic efforts will play a crucial role in determining the source of future aircraft. Despite the challenges, the 299th Brigade and other Ukrainian air force units flying Sukhoi Su-24 bombers, Sukhoi Su-27 fighters, and Mikoyan MiG-29 fighters have demonstrated resilience by acquiring fresh jets from abroad or reactivating stored aircraft. The ongoing conflict underscores the importance of maintaining air superiority, prompting Ukraine to explore diverse avenues for strengthening its air force capabilities. In conclusion, the loss of the Su-25 and the challenges faced by the 299th Brigade highlight the complexities of maintaining a modern and effective air force in the midst of conflict. As Ukraine navigates the geopolitical landscape to secure additional aircraft, the international community observes the evolving dynamics of the situation and the potential impact on the balance of power in the region.