According to journalists, we are talking about AIM-120 medium-range missiles. However, there are difficulties with the integration of these missiles with Ukrainian aircraft still of the Soviet type.
The US military is exploring whether advanced Western air-to-air missiles can be mounted on Ukrainian MIG aircraft. On March 7, Politico wrote about this, citing anonymous sources in the US Department of Defense.
It is reported that we are talking about AIM-120 medium-range missiles, which are designed to be launched from Western fighters such as F-16s. It is assumed that if the work is successful, this will be the first time the United States will provide Ukrainian aircraft with the ability to launch air-to-air missiles.
The publication writes that such assistance may become part of the solution to the problem of Ukraine in the lack of aviation. Thus, Kyiv is asking the United States and other Western countries for modern fighters to use them to defend against Russian aggression.
The journalists recalled that the United States had already provided Ukraine with AGM-88B air-to-ground missiles. They managed to be adapted to MIG aircraft and used against Russian radars and air defense systems. Also, the Pentagon has already provided Ukraine with systems for creating “smart bombs” JDAM, which are also launched from aircraft.
The material says that the process of integrating AIM-120 missiles with MIG aircraft is fraught with certain difficulties. So, the rocket must not only be physically installed on the aircraft, but also interact with its radar. Before launch, the aircraft’s radar must point the missile at the target and guide it until it is close enough. The main problem is that the American and Soviet systems are so different that the missile and aircraft cannot “communicate” with each other.
According to sources, it is precisely these problems that American specialists are now solving.
What is an AIM-120 missile
Medium-range air-to-air missile. Designed to destroy air targets beyond the line of sight. In addition to the United States, it is in service with the Air Force of Great Britain, Germany and a number of other NATO member countries.
It should be noted that the Institute for the Study of War in its report of March 7 commented on the situation in the Bakhmut direction. According to analysts, the Russian troops do not have enough strength to attack Bakhmut and break through the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Experts suggest that the Ukrainian military has significantly strengthened its positions west of Bakhmut, and therefore the complete encirclement of the city is unlikely.
A day earlier, on March 7, the White House told whether support for Ukraine would be stopped. Despite the great geographical distance, the war in our country affects ordinary Americans, according to presidential administration spokesman John Kirby.
