Ukrainian pilots are reportedly in Poland picking up MiG-29 fighters and Su-25 ground-attack aircraft; a total of 70 planes. The Su-25 (NATO reporting name "Frogfoot") is broadly equivalent to the A-10 in its role, close in air support and anti-armor ("tank busting").
This is a major step past Javelins and Stingers. The report comes from Politico, who was informed by Ukrainian diplomatic sources, so take that as you will.
Considering the way they've been denying the Russians control of the air for the best part of a week now, this is excellent news!
@formica Number of comments on twitter saying this is debunked or Poland have changed their mind (possibly due to escalation to WW territory)
@rewerty yeah I hesitated to post this because there is a lot of skepticism, and I am concerned about being part of the consensus propaganda machine (of which Politico can certainly be a part). So I welcome discussion on the topic.
@formica In a way its a little bit understandable considering how psychotic Putin has become. I would love Ukraine to have a hundred jets given to them. Not sure whether Poland changed their mind or the jets were never offered in the first place. It's all a bit murky
@formica I've seen conflicting information about this. Some are saying EU went back on the promise, others saying it just meant UKR would need to fly the aircraft themselves (which makes sense). Hope UKR gets the planes!
@formica Thank you!! Thank Render, too. I was looking to see when aircraft would get into action.
This will prove an embarrassment for Joseph, in my estimation.
The initial reports seem total bogus to me.
These airframes are NOT something you can just hop into and fly away. They need a ton of support and logistics. The plane and the pilot are the easy part.
My guess is only a few, like 3 or 4, will make it into combat in the Ukraine. And that will take at least a week, if not 3 weeks.
Yep !
CoSoRocks !
My opinion is always shaded by my priors.
“Have strong opinions, loosely held”
Alternative take: this doesn't pass the smell test, according to Joseph Trevithick at TheDrive.
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/44501/reports-that-ukraine-is-about-to-get-70-donated-fighter-jets-dont-add-up