Apr 17: Tymofiy Mylovanov: Why Ukraine needs a modern air force

Tymofiy Mylovanov, Why Ukraine needs a modern air force

I was surprised to learn that they talk on the phone from time to time.

The Russian officers don’t want to fly missions. They understand what they are doing. Especially when they bomb cities and civilians. Their excuse: “we follow orders, we don’t have a choice.”

When asked why don’t you refuse to obey orders or just drop bombs outside of civilian areas - a specific case in point a sortie to bomb Kharkiv residential areas - the Russian pilots respond “we will get in trouble”. Those officers who can find an excuse to get out from service and/or Russia do so.

So, Ukraine has more committed, better motivated, and more experienced air force. But we lack planes and helicopters. And it is a scandal.

Why after a year in war, the Ukrainian Air Force has only one Blackhawk helicopter? Why does the US or other countries refuse to provide air force equipment? Ukraine can stop this war, ukraine can win it, if it has proper weapons.

But old Soviet helicopters and planes are no match to the modern Russian aircraft, I was told. So, Ukraine runs on experience and morale, but in plain language it means - human lives.

Why does Ukraine need the Air Force?

Because it saves lives by evacuating wounded soldiers: 15 mins flight to the hospital vs one day offroad drive.

Because it deploys special ops faster and in better condition: 20 mins flight and 6 sec deployment vs 20 miles walk in full gear.

Why does Ukraine need modern Air Force?

Because Russian MiG-31 can engage Ukrainian older generation MiG before it can engage back.

Because a Blackhawk helicopter can fly at night and take a hit, while an older generation Soviet produced Ukrainian helicopters can’t.

Please write to your politicians requesting allowing Ukraine to buy modern aircraft. Please donate to the funds you trust to help crowdfund another Blackhawk or evacuation helicopter.