F-16 vs. 100 Sukhoi

After 18 months of conflict, the Ukrainian air forces needreplacement aircraft as their losses mount and Russian air forces exert increasing control over the skies above Ukraine, according to Al Jazeera.

Introduced in 1978, the F-16 has a strong maintenance record, and its newer variants have been consistently upgraded with better technology, radar, and weaponry.
The jet can perform a range of functions, including ground attacks, electronic warfare, close air support, and air superiority.
It has been proven many times over to be a highly capable combat aircraft: very maneuverable, and able to operate in all weather conditions, day and night.
The adaptability of the F-16 means it can quickly be assigned various missions, effortlessly transitioning into a new role. This flexibility has made it a cornerstone for many world air forces.
Despite its numerous advantages, the F-16 does come with significant drawbacks. Advanced Russian planes like the Sukhoi Su-35 feature better radar and longer-range missiles. In theory, they could detect and eliminate the F-16 before the pilot even realizes a Russian jet is there.
Like all complex aircraft, the F-16 demands regular maintenance and cannot operate from improvised runways such as roads, which Ukrainian air forces consider increasingly valuable for their surviving planes as Russia targets Ukrainian airfields, rendering many unusable.
Currently, only a few Ukrainian pilots are proficient enough in English to successfully undergo the intensive training program required to effectively operate the F-16.
Furthermore, ground crews often make the difference between success and failure, as well-trained crews can refuel and rearm the aircraft faster than their adversaries, getting the...