Ad: This forum contains affiliate links to products on Amazon and eBay. More information in Terms and rules
Dimlee,Interesting idea.
"Boeing received a $28.5m contract to convert 25 retired F-16 fighters into QF-16 FSATs, in March 2015. It was further awarded a $34.39m modification contract in March for the delivery of 30 QF-16 FSATs and associated drone-peculiar equipment"
If/when there is a support infrastructure for F-16 in Ukraine, a fleet of QF-16s could be useful. Subject there are available airframes.QF-16 Full Scale Aerial Target - Airforce Technology
The QF-16 full-scale aerial target (FSAT) was developed by Boeing for the US Air Force (USAF). It is a modified…www.airforce-technology.com
Dimlee,
Yes there are QF-16s out there but that doesn't mean they are suitable for extended combat ops or the remote system is up to a ECM heavy environment. They generally are at the end of their lifespan when they get converted into targets.
I fully support Ukraine and its fight for independence and freedom, but when is enough actually enough? When can a country say I've given enough? I don't know the answer, but I do know there will be limits, and it seems sooner rather than later.
Cheers,
Biff
Total US aid to Ukraine in 2023 was IIRC about 5% of total US military spending for that year. With that 5% the US is contributing to the likely elimination of Russia's conventional offensive capability into the 2040s, at the cost of zero US lives.I fully support Ukraine and its fight for independence and freedom, but when is enough actually enough? When can a country say I've given enough?
I agree in principle. I'm also not speaking of just the US, as there are many nations that are more directly threatened than this one.Total US aid to Ukraine in 2023 was IIRC about 5% of total US military spending for that year. With that 5% the US is contributing to the likely elimination of Russia's conventional offensive capability into the 2040s, at the cost of zero US lives.
If my neighbour's house is on fire and I own a fire hose, enough is enough when the fire's entirely extinguished.
I do wonder how much of the weapons, systems, AFVs, etc. provided to Ukraine are non-short dated, BNIB (Brand New In Box). I expect very little. The F-16s from Denmark and the Netherlands are likely at least twenty years old, for example.One factor that may be overlooked in regards to providing equipment to Ukraine, is the equipment is dated, soon to be replacedand or reserve/stored stocks.
Total US aid to Ukraine in 2023 was IIRC about 5% of total US military spending for that year. With that 5% the US is contributing to the likely elimination of Russia's conventional offensive capability into the 2040s, at the cost of zero US lives.
If my neighbour's house is on fire and I own a fire hose, enough is enough when the fire's entirely extinguished.
Writing down Russian military capability is great, but the motivation behind my support is not so much making Russia weak but rather helping Ukrainians live free.
We walk away now, there will be another flare-up -- and speaking as a former firefighter, I can say that a reflare is almost always worse than the original fire.
I wonder how old the Ukrainian AND Russian airframes are?... The F-16s from Denmark and the Netherlands are likely at least twenty years old, for example....
Given the situation and the outcomes that will arise if Russia/Putin prevails, I would argue only when Ukraine wins and Russian forces are ejected. To take the below analogy one step further:I fully support Ukraine and its fight for independence and freedom, but when is enough actually enough? When can a country say I've given enough? I don't know the answer, but I do know there will be limits, and it seems sooner rather than later.
If we stop and go back inside when there are still flames next door, what will we do when our roof catches fire? Who do we expect to call for support to put out the fire then when it is threatening our own home and family?If my neighbour's house is on fire and I own a fire hose, enough is enough when the fire's entirely extinguished.
Greek FireUkraine drones use flamethrowers on Russian ships in incredible video
Kyiv said that its Sea Baby drones were used to target Russian vessels.www.newsweek.com