60 F-35A VS 120 MIG-29, MIG-21, MIG-23 air combat

 


A battle scenario featuring 60 F-35A Lightning IIs against a mixed force of 120 MiG-29s, MiG-21s, and MiG-23s would be an intense display of modern stealth technology versus Cold War-era numerical superiority. While the numbers heavily favor the MiG force, the F-35A's advanced capabilities make this an asymmetric fight, where technology, tactics, and situational awareness play a decisive role.

The F-35A Advantage: Stealth, Sensors, and Network Warfare

The F-35A is a fifth-generation multirole fighter designed for stealth, sensor fusion, and electronic warfare. Unlike traditional fourth-generation fighters like the MiG-29 and earlier models like the MiG-21 and MiG-23, the F-35 excels at engaging enemies beyond visual range (BVR) before they even know they’re being targeted.

Key Strengths of the F-35A:

  1. Stealth: The F-35A's radar cross-section (RCS) is significantly smaller than that of any MiG variant, making it nearly invisible to older Soviet-era radars.
  2. Advanced Sensors: The AN/APG-81 AESA radar and Distributed Aperture System (DAS) allow F-35 pilots to detect and track multiple targets at extreme ranges.
  3. Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Dominance: The AIM-120D AMRAAM has a 160+ km (100+ mile) range, allowing the F-35s to fire long before the MiGs can react.
  4. Electronic Warfare & Data Sharing: Using Link 16 and the Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL), F-35s can operate as a networked force, sharing targeting data and coordinating attacks in real time.
  5. Superior Situational Awareness: With its Helmet-Mounted Display System (HMDS) and fusion of multiple data sources, F-35 pilots have an unmatched view of the battlespace.

The MiG Force: Numbers and Maneuverability

The opposing force consists of 120 aircraft, but they are a mix of different generations and capabilities:

  • MiG-29 (4th Generation): Agile, capable of dogfighting, and equipped with R-27 (AA-10 Alamo) and R-73 (AA-11 Archer) missiles, but lacking advanced sensors and BVR dominance.
  • MiG-21 (3rd Generation): Fast but outdated, with limited avionics and radar, designed for close-range engagements.
  • MiG-23 (3rd Generation, Variable-Sweep Wing): Faster than the MiG-21, with better radar, but still no match for modern fighters.

While the MiGs have superior numbers, they lack the stealth, radar, and networking to challenge the F-35s effectively in BVR combat. Their best chance is to close the distance and force a dogfight, where their maneuverability and sheer numbers could come into play.

The Battle Scenario: BVR Dominance vs. Massed Attack

  1. Initial Engagement – Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Kill Zone

    • The F-35s detect the MiGs at 150+ km using their AESA radar and DAS.
    • The MiG force is unaware they are being tracked due to the F-35's low radar signature.
    • At 100+ km, the F-35s launch AIM-120D AMRAAMs in coordinated salvos, targeting high-priority aircraft (MiG-29s first).
    • The first wave of missiles downs 20-30 aircraft before the MiGs even detect the threat.

  2. MiGs Scramble for Counterattack

    • The surviving MiGs scatter, jam radars, and attempt to close the distance.
    • The MiG-29s, using their R-77 BVR missiles, fire back, but the F-35s' superior ECM (Electronic Countermeasures) and maneuvering reduce effectiveness.
    • Some F-35s may take losses, but the MiGs are still at a massive disadvantage.

  3. Mid-Range Engagement – Missiles vs. Survivors

    • The F-35s launch another wave of AMRAAMs, further thinning the MiG force.
    • The MiG-21s and MiG-23s struggle to get within range due to outdated radars and lack of coordination.
    • By now, at least 50+ MiGs are destroyed, while the F-35s have suffered minimal losses (less than 5 aircraft).

  4. Close-Range Dogfight – The Last Stand

    • A handful of MiGs break through the missile kill zone and engage at close range.
    • The MiG-29s, equipped with R-73 IR-guided missiles and helmet-mounted sights, are dangerous in a dogfight.
    • However, the F-35’s superior maneuverability, stealth, and AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles turn the tide.
    • Close-range kills occur, but the F-35s remain in control.

Final Outcome: Decisive F-35 Victory

  • MiG Losses: 90+ aircraft shot down before retreat.
  • F-35 Losses: 5-10 aircraft lost (mostly in close-range combat).
  • Remaining MiGs (if any): Likely retreating due to lack of fuel, ammunition, and morale.

Conclusion: Modern Stealth vs. Cold War Mass Tactics

Despite being outnumbered 2 to 1, the F-35s dominate the engagement, thanks to stealth, sensor fusion, and BVR missile superiority. The MiGs never get the chance to leverage their numbers effectively, as they are picked off long before they can pose a serious threat. This scenario highlights the shift in modern air combat, where information, stealth, and missile range outweigh sheer numbers and agility.

The result? A crushing F-35 victory with minimal losses.

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