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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]
Can we just leave the planes somewhere and let the Ukrainian pilots “steal” them from us?  
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It's an old trick. It comes down to logistics, and the window of time is getting shorter and shorter, since Russia expects this and has started to attack western Ukraine in consequence, airfields in particular. 
Of course, we don't know whether planes haven't already changed hands... I really really hope they have![/quote]
The number of MiGs poland has offered won’t change much.  The Russian engines are notorious maintenance hogs and it’s not like anyone in Ukraine or the west has those sitting around.  Airfields in Ukraine are limited and runways are all being cratered to prevent use.  Then you need to think about compatible munitions.  Then you need to think of C2 and modern jet fighters don’t have an exceptional loiter time (the more you strap underneath the less fuel you can carry) so you have to consider aerial refueling which Ukraine also lacks.  Give them the MiGs but without the IADS to protect the bases and the logistics tail to go along with it, they’ll all be shot down or grounded in a week.
A better option would be dedicated ground attack aircraft like Su-22s, Su-25s, or Mi-24s.  These are much more durable, can operate under more austere conditions, and can fly low and slow to avoid Russian IADS.  However at some point without regular maintenance they too become hanger queens and you still have to consider munitions.[/quote]

Right. Well, who knows whether these have changed hands in recent days too. Whatever Ukraine needs short of NATO countries intervening directly.
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