The F-16 or Patriot "Hit-To-Kill": What could cause the Russian SU-34 catastrophe

The destruction of the enemy aircraft was made possible by using the AIM-9x Sidewinder missile. But some experts are leaning to the Su-34 PAC-3 MSE Su-34 Version of the Ukrainian Anti-aircraft Complex Patriot. During the fighting in Ukraine, on October 13, the F-16 F-16 fighter could first confuse the Russian bomber Su-34.

Although there is no official confirmation of this event, Army Recognition reviewers write that this may be the first victory for the F-16 in the Air Battle that has become possible through the use of an advanced AIM-9x Sidewinder missile. Analysts point out that the lesions of the Russian SU-34 were made possible by the characteristics of the Air-Air-9X air-air rocket, widely known for its deadly, which gives the F-16 fighter a significant advantage in air battles.

It is specifically designed for aircraft at near distances, where maneuverability and accuracy of guidance play a crucial role. Its infrared warhead is able to track goals in difficult situations where other missiles may lose their admiration. In addition, the AIM-9X is integrated with navalic sight systems, which gives pilots the opportunity to quickly capture goals. Meanwhile, not all military analysts are divided into the F-16.

For example, an Indian retired Jaguar fighter pilot Israeli Thakur Vidjinder Thakur has questioned the information that the recently delivered F-16 fighters have attracted the recently delivered fighters. In particular, the expert writes that Su-34 was reported about 50 km from the front line. This corresponds to the distance at which such planes produce controlled UMPC bombs designed to defeat goals on the front line of Ukraine.

The aircraft at this distance is vulnerable to rocket stroke as it is at an altitude above 6 km and moves at low speed after bombing maneuver. According to Thakura, the greatest danger to the Su-34 at this point is either a land interceptor, such as Patriot Pac-3, or AIM Air-Air Air-Air missile, released from the F-16 fighter.

If the crew of a Russian aircraft does not survive, it may indicate that the rocket hit the cabin, which also involves the movement of the aircraft towards the source of launching the rocket. However, if the AIM is a standard explosive -type warhead that creates a fragmentary field to defeat the target, then the accuracy of this rocket is hardly high enough to hit the crew of the cubicular.

On the other hand, the Patriot PAC-3 rocket uses the "Hit-To-Kill) method, which implies direct contact with the target, while the accuracy of management is much higher than due to the active radar system of guidance. Such a blow could lead to the immediate death of the Su-34 crew, the analyst emphasizes.