A-10 attack aircraft and more: Ukraine needs more aviation from allies, top commander states
In the Armed Forces of Ukraine, there was a call to transfer A-10 Thunderbolt attack aircraft (Photo by Bernie C on Flickr)
Ukraine needs its Western allies to begin supplying more aircraft. One option could be the A-10 Thunderbolt attack aircraft, states the Commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskii, in an interview with Reuters.
"I would talk about A-10s as an option if they'll be given to us ... this is not a new machine, but a reliable one that has proven itself in many wars, and which has a wide array of weapons for destroying land targets to help the infantry," says Syrskii.
He specifies that A-10 attack aircraft could support ground forces trying to take the initiative in the fight against Russian occupiers.
"It is for destroying land-based targets: tanks, artillery ... everything that counters the infantry," emphasizes the Lieutenant General.
Syrskii also mentions the significant role that attack helicopters could play, specifically the AH-64 Apache and AH-1 Super Cobra, as well as the UH-60 Black Hawk.
A-10 Thunderbolt
The A-10 Thunderbolt is an American subsonic attack aircraft produced since the 1970s.
It was commissioned in 1976. This aircraft is the only one in the U.S. Air Force designed to provide direct air support.
The Americans used the aircraft in various conflicts, including the war in Afghanistan and NATO's operation in Serbia.
With the A-10 Thunderbolt, guided missiles can be launched against aviation and ground targets, as well as unguided rockets and bombs.
Previous statements in Ukraine about the A-10
In the fall of last year, the spokesman for the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Yurii Ihnat, stated that Ukraine did not need American A-10 attack aircraft because Russian air defense would simply destroy them. This also applies to the French Mirage 2000 aircraft.
He noted that Ukraine needs multi-role aircraft, such as the F-16, which would provide air superiority and drive Russian aviation away from our borders.
