Italy may consider transferring military jets to Ukraine – Technology Org
Ukraine is still in need of military aviation. Although Russian reports about a completely destroyed Ukrainian Air Force are absolutely incorrect, the defenders of Ukraine definitely need more air assets – particularly fighter jets – to organize an effective counter-offensive.
At this point, it seems like advanced jet fighters like the F-16 Fighting Falcon are off the table. However, Italy might have something else in mind.
La Reppublica reports that Italy may offer Panavia Tornado and AMX airplanes to Ukraine. However, it is noted that Italy would only transfer the planes if it would not become the first country to transfer this type of weapons to Ukraine.
Previously Germany had a similar stance about main battle tanks – Berlin only agreed to transfer some Leopard 2s because the US promised some Abrams. However, if the issue of tanks was overcome, the issue of jets can be solved as well.
Panavia Tornado IDS of the Italian Air Force. This version of Tornado is designed as a fighter-bomber. Image credit: aceebee via Wikimedia (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Alternative jets for Ukraine
But what are these two airplanes that may soon start defending Ukraine from the Russian invaders? The Panavia Tornado is a third-generation two-seater multi-role combat jet with variable-sweep wings. The variable geometry of the wings ensures the lowest possible air resistance when maneuvering at different altitudes at different speeds.
The Tornado was developed in the 1970s and started service in 1979. The United Kingdom used Tornado till 2019, while the Air Forces of Germany, Saudi Arabia and Italy are still operating their Tornados.
The Panavia Tornado has a crew of 2 people. It is a twin-engine plane, capable of reaching a maximum speed of 2,400 km/h. Its service ceiling is 15,240 square metres. It has 7 hardpoints for armament, which can weigh up to 9 tons.
Tornado’s weapons can include various missiles, like the AIM-132 ASRAAM or Brimstone, bombs like the Paveway IV, and a 27 mm Mauser BK-27 revolver cannon. The Tornado is quite a large plane with a length of 16.72 meters and a wingspan of up to (remember – variable sweep) 13.91 metres.
There are several versions of the Panavia Tornado. It appears like Italy is considering transferring its Tornado IDS aircraft, which are designed to operate as fighter-bombers. It is essentially a strike aircraft, optimized to destroy ground targets.
Meanwhile, the AMX is an attack aircraft developed by Brazil and Italy in the 1990s. A total of about 200 of these aircraft were produced. Brazil and Italy still use them, although the number of active AMXs is not high.
AMX International AMX of the Italian Air Force. These jets are also used by Brazil. Image credit: Fabrizio Berni via Wikimedia (GFDL)
The AMX is a single-seater attack aircraft with a length of 13.23 meters and a wingspan of 8.87 metres. It has a 20 mm M61A1 Vulcan 6-barreled Gatling cannon, but can also carry a couple of AIM-9 Sidewinders or different missiles and a healthy collection of bombs.
Will these planes really reach Ukraine? Hopefully yes. But a quick transfer of such military assets is difficult, because long training times are needed – both for crews and for ground personnel.
Sources: Focus.ua, Wikipedia