Ukraine has been asking for fighter jets for many months. Not only the F-16s, which are slow to arrive, but also the American A-10 Warthog fighter-bombers. This is the request of the head of Ukrainian military intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, who hopes that these devices will help Ukraine “inflict a military defeat” on Russia.
This is not the first time that kyiv has requested these extremely powerful devices designed for ground attacks. Its seven-tube 30 mm cannon has a speed of 3,900 rounds per minute. This fighter carries a total of seven tons of weapons and, in addition to these projectiles, rockets and guided missiles.
Train crews
These requests never had the agreement of the United States although these devices were mostly removed from active service. However, as the specialized site Opex360 recalls, they received the support of Everett Pyatt, former Undersecretary of the US Navy, who, in 2022, estimated that the A-10 is the most effective weapon to “slow down or stop Russian tanks.”
But to be effective, these devices must circulate in controlled airspace, which is far from the case in Ukraine, which is the target of powerful missile and drone attacks. Furthermore, it would take many months to train crews capable of piloting and maintaining these bombers.
Finally, the United States is kyiv’s main military and financial supporter, but the latest aid package remains blocked in Congress due to disagreements between Democrats and Republicans.
Ukraine remains confident
By demanding these devices, Kyrylo Boudanov knows he will be heard in the upper echelons of the United States. The young head of Ukrainian military intelligence (GUR), at 38 years old, established himself as the only one who announced the invasion of Russia, indicating not only the day, but also the time of the attack.
On January 12, in an interview with Le Monde, he expressed confidence in the ability of Ukrainian forces to resist Russian troops.
A few days ago he questioned the death of Prigozhin, the commander of the Wagner militia. “I’m not saying he’s not dead or that he’s dead. I’m saying there’s not the slightest bit of evidence that he’s dead.”
Source: BFM TV
