Doubts about the statement that Russia's Su-35S chased away US F-22s in Syria 0
Russian Su-35S fighter launched from Hmeymim base, Syria.
The Russian Ministry of Defense said a Su-35S fighter sortie from the Hmeymim base chased away the American F-22 stealth plane.
According to military expert David Cenciotti, the first questionable point in Russia’s statement is that the US F-22 operates alone in the skies over Syria, because F-22 fighters often operate in a squadron of two aircraft to support aircraft.
Russia’s claim that the US stealth fighter provoked by shooting flares and simulating air combat is not really convincing.
In 2015, Moscow and Washington signed a memorandum of understanding on flight safety, adjusting flight routes and communications in Syria in emergency situations.
The Euphrates River became the boundary dividing the operational areas of the Russian and US air forces in Syria.
The Russian Ministry of Defense did not mention the appearance of other aircraft belonging to the US-led coalition against the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) nearby, nor whether they participated in the confrontation.
A day later, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) spoke out to deny Russia’s statement.
However, experts do not completely refute this incident, saying that it is reminiscent of the confrontation that took place on June 18, when an F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter shot down a Su-22 fighter jet of Su-22.
US F-22 stealth fighter.
The Su-35S is a 4++ generation fighter with super maneuverability.
In early 2016, Russia deployed a Su-35S squadron to Hmeymim air base to protect fighter jets performing missions in Syria.
In a one-on-one combat situation, the Su-35S outperforms the F-22 in maneuverability, but is inferior in stealth and remote target identification.
