F-35 fifth-generation fighters were able to exchange information with Soviet MiG-29 aircraft during an exercise in Poland
A few days ago, a NATO exercise involving fifth generation F-35 Lightning II fighters and Soviet MiG-29 aircraft was held in Poland. The event showed very interesting results.
Here's What We Know
Soviet MiG-29s of the Polish Air Force and American F-35 Lightning II fighters bought by the Royal Netherlands Air Force were chosen for the exercise. F-16 Fighting Falcon and Dassault Rafale also took part.
Dutch F-35s and Polish MiG-29s conduct a training interception over Malbork, Poland, as part of @NATO's Air Policing mission. pic.twitter.com/newIa44zez
- F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office (@theF35JPO) March 29, 2023
The F-35 and MiG-29 flew from Malbork Air Base in Poland. The two fighters were able to successfully exchange information and intercept the target of a simulated enemy. They also coordinated to secure the flight of two Polish C-295 CASA transport aircraft.
Indian expert Vijainder K. Thakur claims that the F-35 was able to detect and target a notional enemy's MiG-29, which is equipped with outdated Soviet radars. At the same time, the target is not reflected on the MiG-29's radars.
The expert suggested that the F-35 could stay in Poland, collect information on targets and transmit data to MiG-29 fighters of the Ukrainian Air Force, without crossing the airspace of the country, but staying in the NATO safe airspace. At this stage, however, this is only a theory, the realisation of which is hard to believe.
Source: NATO
