OREANDA-NEWS The Russian counterpart of the F-16 aircraft, the MiG-29 fighter, is inferior to its competitor in terms of viewing capabilities, but surpasses it in terms of maneuverability and power—to-weight ratio. About this  said Alexander Spiridonov, deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on Industry and Trade.

"The F-16 is a light fighter aircraft. In addition, it is quite maneuverable, with a very good view from the cockpit. And if we compare it with Russian aircraft, then it is worth saying that its closest analogue is the MiG-29. According to the review, the MiG-29 is slightly inferior, but definitely wins in maneuverability and power—to-weight ratio," the deputy believes.

In the battle between the MiG and the F-16, in my opinion, the MiG will certainly dominate, because it is more modern. Nevertheless, if Ukraine, which currently has no aviation, has an F-16, this may create some difficulties for us. Although this aircraft is outdated, it can carry all modern missile systems.

Spiridonov expressed confidence that the Russian military infrastructure will be able to respond to the threat posed by the appearance of F-16 fighters in service with the Ukrainian army.

"We have the necessary air defense systems (air defense — approx. "Tapes.ru"), which make it possible to hit the F-16 at a great distance, this was also noted by experts in Ukraine. Therefore, as soon as the F-16 aircraft appear in Ukraine, I am sure that missile strikes will be carried out on their bases and work will be carried out so that they are eliminated even on takeoff," the parliamentarian is sure.

The parliamentarian also reacted to the words of former American intelligence officer Scott Ritter, who previously called the F-16 fighters a "suicide trap" because of their alleged non-compliance with modern standards and, accordingly, danger to the Ukrainian pilots themselves.

"I would not adhere to such "shapkozakidatelskih" sentiments, as does dear Scott Ritter. Despite the fact that this aircraft was conceptually designed back in the mid—seventies and put into operation in the eighties, it is used by several dozen countries and has demonstrated itself very well in a number of military conflicts," the interlocutor of <url> noted.