At the same time, F-16s would undoubtedly help detect low-altitude bombers trying to penetrate Ukrainian territory.
“The deadliest F-16 pilot” of American aviation Retired Lt. Col. Dan Hampton considers reports of Russia’s alleged formation of an “elite” air strike group to be Kremlin propaganda.
In the interview “Voice of America” Hampton made a valid point about this. “A strike group from Russia… I would be skeptical about that. I mean, again, these people, if they really were ‘elite’, and that word is used a lot, but you have to be careful with that word, because a lot of what’s being passed off as such isn’t.” elite”. But if they had these people, this and this equipment, why didn’t they use it a year ago, right? I mean, why now?”.
Hampton emphasized that the Russians are very good at one thing – propaganda. “It smacks of propaganda to me. If this is the bomber force the British are talking about, then your MiG-29s are very capable of countering bombers trying to infiltrate your country,” the military said.
He also added that in this case, the Patriot air defense/anti-missile defense system will probably be involved in the fight against the “elite” Russian squadrons: “Patriot will chew them up and spit them out. If these are more advanced air-to-air fighters, it’s something completely different. Again after all, you have Su.”
That said, F-16s would certainly help detect low-altitude bombers trying to infiltrate, thanks to very good radars that can see aircraft at very low altitudes. “And if they’re going to fight air-to-air, then again, a proper F-16 with proper radar and air-to-air missiles can help that a lot as well,” Hampton noted.
The American once again emphasized that such information should be accepted, given how Russians like to manipulate facts to their advantage. “I mean, you guys have been beating them for a year and a half. So I don’t think any of your people are too afraid of the Russians. So let them come. A few more people will never come home,” Hampton emphasized.
“Elite” air group of the Russian Air Force “Storm” – the main thing
On May 22, 2023, British intelligence announced about Russia’s intention to create a new “elite” strike group codenamed “Storm” for missions in the war against Ukraine, as regular Air Force squadrons appear to have failed in their primary function of conducting airstrikes against Ukrainian positions.
It was indicated that the Russian Ministry of Defense allegedly wants to attract qualified and purposeful pilots, offering them high salaries, and also opens recruitment for retired pilots.
At the same time, according to national security expert Ivan Varchenko, Russians make similar statements for thatto reassure the population of the Russian Federation and give hope for changes at the front: “I do not see the possibilities with which the Russian military-industrial complex could now qualitatively raise the level of its weapons. And the fact that they will now collect Su-24 or Su- 34, doesn’t mean they’ve made a technological leap.”
The Air Force is also convinced that the so-called “elite” air group will not change anything on the front line.
During the meeting in the Rammstein-12 format, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America, Lloyd Austin, stated that The Russian Federation could not gain an advantage in the Ukrainian skies.