– Ukraine’s pilots are using iPads for combat missions, controlled by the pilot in the cockpit
– The iPads could assist in “Wild Weasel” missions by helping trace and strike enemy radars
– It is an example of adapted Ukrainian weapons combining Western and Soviet parts, such as the “FrankenSAM” air defense systems
US Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, William LaPlante, mentioned that Ukraine’s pilots are using iPads for combat missions to adapt Western technology to their Soviet weapons. The iPads assist in “Wild Weasel” missions, where jet pilots lure enemy antiaircraft defenses into targeting them with their radars and then strike back with US-made missiles. The tablets are vital for the employment of Western-supplied air-to-ground weapons, as Ukraine’s Soviet-era fighters lack the data interfaces for compatibility with the latest missiles.
The video released by Ukraine’s Air Force shows a pilot flying a Soviet Su-27 plane equipped with an iPad in the cockpit, firing off US-made AGM-88 High-speed Anti-Radiation Missiles. The iPad also displays a navigational map and flight information. The use of iPads highlights the collaboration between the US and Ukraine to improve combat capabilities using adapted technology.
The US Air Force developed the Wild Weasel strategy during the Vietnam War, and the use of iPads in combat missions reflects the ongoing evolution of military tactics and technology. This approach of combining Western and Soviet weapons to create new systems, such as the “FrankenSAM” air defense systems, demonstrates Ukraine’s innovative approach to enhancing its military capabilities in response to conflict with Russia. The iPads or similar tablets provide Ukrainian pilots with essential tools for conducting Wild Weasel missions, showcasing their ability to integrate advanced technology into their existing aircraft for combat effectiveness.