"We will be equal with the Russians": the expert told how the Rafale fighters will strengthen the Ukrainian aviation

According to the expert, Rafale can become the first type of combat aircraft that will allow Ukraine to conduct air battles with Russian aircraft on an equal footing. Currently, none of the samples available to us have such capabilities, and the F-16, despite its effectiveness in certain tactics, is still inferior to Russian aircraft in terms of armament and radar equipment. "The planes we currently have are not capable of conducting air battles on an equal basis.

And we need to destroy the carriers of the KAB. Unfortunately, the F-16, both in terms of weapons and in the context of radars, is not capable of engaging in air battles on an equal basis with Russian fighters. And our need is such that we are not kamikaze, victims, but to be able to hit them, and preferably with the same probability as them us," he explained.

Rafale and the Swedish Gripen, which Ukraine may also receive in the future, according to the expert, have a significant advantage over Russian aircraft in target detection and low visibility. Shielded engines make it possible to reduce the effective reflection surface, thanks to which Russian radars can see such fighters at a much shorter distance than Western systems can see their aircraft.

"The Russians can see them some 150 km away, and we can see such a Russian fighter at a distance of up to 200 km. Therefore, if we get these fighters with Meteor missiles, then by the capabilities of the radar and weapons, we will be able to destroy Russian air assets before they see our planes," Romanenko emphasized. However, Romanenko warns that the process of obtaining the Rafale will not be quick.

Dassault Aviation is currently on a large export order for nearly 300 fighters, and production rates, even if ramped up, remain relatively slow. According to him, it is realistic to expect the appearance of the first Rafale in Ukraine no earlier than in three years. At the same time, it is possible to hand over used aircraft for initial mastering by personnel, because even machines that have been in service since 2004 retain their relevance and combat effectiveness.

The expert also warns that the supply depends heavily on the internal situation in France and on who comes to power. "If Putin's friends come to power in France, we will simply be cut off from supplying everything to these planes: weapons, spare parts, software. And then the planes will simply remain on the ground as targets for enemy missile attacks," he said. As for crew training, the minimum training period, according to Romanenko, is about eight months.

Pilots who already have experience with the F-16 can reduce this time, because they will not need language training and are familiar with NATO systems. "Perhaps, if pilots who flew the F-16 are sent to study, then the training time will be reduced by at least half," the expert clarified. At the same time, he admits that Ukrainian aviation today is turning into a kind of "zoo" — the composition of aircraft types is so diverse.

This complicates logistics, maintenance and movement between airfields, which already have to operate under the constant threat of strikes. At most bases, there are simply no specialists capable of promptly servicing all types of aircraft. Despite this, the expert is convinced: in the case of receiving a Rafale with modern weapons, Ukraine will for the first time have the opportunity to fight with Russian aircraft not under conditions of forced risk, but on an equal footing.

He emphasizes that these fighter jets are capable of becoming a turning point in the defense of the Ukrainian skies, subject to stable political support from partners and proper personnel training. It is worth noting that the Rafale aircraft can significantly strengthen the Ukrainian Air Force, but their operation will depend on the French terms of service and supply.