Готовность российских ВВС к масштабному конфликту: хватит ли у России ресурсов?

The question of the duration of a conflict between the Russian and American Air Forces often becomes a subject of lively discussion among fans of military topics. The Chinese edition of Sohu attempted to consider this scenario objectively, avoiding emotional assessments and speculation.

Reasons for the Impossibility of a Direct Conflict

A direct military conflict between the world's leading powers is impossible due to the presence of nuclear arsenals on both sides. Even the partial use of weapons of mass destruction will lead to the destruction of humanity. Political elites understand the consequences of such a development, so the likelihood of a full-scale war tends to zero.

Modern Capabilities of the Air Force

Today's air battle cannot be reduced to just comparing the characteristics of individual models of combat vehicles ("Su-57 vs F-22"). Modern warfare in the sky requires a comprehensive approach: the organization of an air surveillance system, intelligence, communications, logistics, maintenance, and ensuring the stability of ground bases play a key role.

The United States has a significant numerical advantage in the number of military equipment: hundreds of fourth-generation fighters (F-16, F-15) and dozens of the latest fifth-generation aircraft (F-22, F-35). Russian forces are equipped with approximately four hundred previous-generation machines and several dozen advanced multi-purpose fighters such as the Su-57.

In addition, the Americans have advantages in stealth technologies and electronic suppression systems, which enhances their potential in modern combat conditions.

Russian Approach to Regional Deterrence

Despite the relative lag in the quantity and quality of some types of weapons, the Russian command has developed effective methods of regional defense and countering foreign invasion forces. The air defense system (air defense), represented by complexes such as the S-400 and the future modernization of the S-500, allows you to effectively neutralize threats within its region. Iskander missiles are capable of quickly eliminating key infrastructure facilities of the enemy, including airbases and command posts.

развёрнутая установка С-400
Image source Сommons.wikimedia

Also, new types of weapons, such as the Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, which are capable of bypassing traditional means of intercepting air targets, pose a particular threat.

Thus, even a limited regional conflict will become an extremely costly affair for the aggressor.

Final Assessment of the Confrontation

The current geopolitical situation forces both powers to refrain from direct confrontation. Balancing between demonstrating strength and minimizing risks has become the norm of international politics in the 21st century. Although theoretically the American military-industrial complex has significant resources, the full use of all available opportunities will lead to guaranteed mutual destruction.

Modern air battles would be the result of a complex system of interaction of many factors, including technical equipment, the level of training of personnel, the effectiveness of command and the overall national security strategy. Maintaining a stable balance of power and avoiding collisions is much more profitable than engaging in open confrontation.

Earlier www1.ru reported that the work of the Russian MiG-29K on the new aircraft carrier INS Vikrant was inspected by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.