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MiG-29 fighter jets are still in use by the Polish military. Photo/REUTERS/Peter Andrews
WASHINGTON – The Pentagon is looking into the possibility of installing US-made missiles on Soviet-era MiG fighter jets, which Ukraine uses in its conflict with Russia.
Two Defense Department officials and others familiar with the matter told Politico.
“The weapons are the AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missile (AMRAAM), which are designed to be fired by Western aircraft, including F-16s, and have a range of over 100 km (62 miles),” the report said. Politico on Tuesday (7/3/2023).
However, sources note the challenges posed by the integration process, due to the significant differences between US and Soviet technologies.
“The main problem is that missiles and planes cannot talk to each other,” they said.
The source explained that in order to open fire, the aircraft’s radar had to find the target and then aim the projectiles towards it.
“The issue the Pentagon is working on is: How do you mount this thing? Can you get all the electronic devices on board to talk to this thing that wasn’t meant to be launched?” said one of the officials.
The sources pointed out there are fears that Kiev is running out of air defenses as Russian troops continue missile strikes against Ukraine’s military and energy infrastructure.
