F‑16 versus SU‑30: Expert analysis on the aerial power dynamics

Western F-16 fighters will soon appear over Ukraine, pitted against potential Russian adversaries like the Su-30SM aircraft. Is it possible to identify a clear favourite in this confrontation? Former Indian Air Force pilot Anil Chopra has shared his views.

This isn’t the first time experts have compared the capabilities of the F-16 with those of Russian aircraft. US aviator Jeffrey Fisher recently assessed American designs, comparing the F-16 with Russia's latest design, the Su-57.

The US pilot indicated that the F-16 has an advantage in this pairing. However, it is worth noting that the Russian fleet of Su-57s is limited. With only 10 units available, the F-16s will probably face other Russian fighters, primarily the Su-30SM and Su-35. Anil Chopra, a former military pilot from India, has assessed their effectiveness against the F-16.

Chopra notes that comparing the Su-30 to the F-16 is not entirely accurate. “It’s like comparing apples and oranges,” he explains. He points out that the performance of the Su-30SM should be compared with the F-15, while the F-16 is better matched against the MiG-29.

The difficulty in comparing the F-16 and the Su-30 arises from the latter’s larger size. This makes the Russian design easier to detect by radar and visually. According to Chopra, the Su-30 has an advantage over the F-16 in manoeuvrability at high attack angles and faster weapon targeting. “The Su-30 demonstrates greater agility and carries a larger payload,” he comments.

However, Chopra notes that the F-16 boasts a superior arsenal of missiles. “The American AIM-120 currently surpasses the Russian R-77 in range,” he stated, adding that American F-16s will likely be targeted by MiG-31 fighters equipped with six long-range missiles each.

“Pilot skills will be the decisive factor in aerial encounters,” Chopra explains. He mentions that the F-16s sent to Ukraine will not have the “advanced radars and systems found in the Block 70/72 variants” but will still stand a chance against Russian aircraft.

According to the Indian pilot, the Ukrainians’ strategy should revolve around quickly closing in on the enemy, firing long-range missiles, and swiftly returning to base. Ultimately, Chopra opines that in most scenarios, Russian fighters could pose a significant threat to the Ukrainians.

Let us recall that the F-16s destined for the Ukrainian armed forces are designed for just under 33 feet long and have a wingspan of about 49 feet. The American fighter, which can reach approximately Mach 2 (about 1491 mph), can carry armament mounted on nine weapon stations.

For comparison, the Su-30, which Chopra does not consider a direct competitor to the F-16, measures nearly 72 feet long and has a wingspan of 48 feet. Additionally, it can carry armament on 12 stations.