How Will Russia Deal with the US Navy's New F-35C Stealth Fighter Jet?

The F-35C stealth fighters have been in service for over 3 years and have already demonstrated their superiority in combat. For the Russian military, dealing with these new stealth aircraft could prove to be a significant challenge. However, the best approach for Russia is to avoid conflict in the first place, which they have already failed to do in the case of Ukraine.

The Elevated Operational Status of the F-35C

The US Navy achieved operational status with the F-35C in Block 3F on February 28, 2019. On August 2, 2021, the first F-35C deployments took place, carried out by Carrier Air Wing 2 on the USS Carl Vinson. Despite the advanced capabilities of the F-35C, Russia still struggles to effectively counter Russian-made aircraft, let alone the F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-35.

Russian Strategy Against US Stealth Aircraft

Russia's strategy to combat US stealth aircraft like the F-35 involves targeting various components of the stealth ecosystem. This includes GPS and wide-area jamming systems, which would significantly disrupt the F-35's positioning and network capabilities. Russia has already demonstrated the effectiveness of their Khibini jamming system, which has seen success against Aegis-enabled ships.

Targeting Logistics and Support Infrastructure

Russia is likely to focus on cutting off logistical support for F-35 deployments. This would include targeting early warning and tanker aircraft, as well as hitting runways with anti-runway munitions or Iskander-type missiles. Additionally, Russian agents may attempt to sabotage the F-35's stealth coating or target manufacturer facilities.

Disrupting Satellite Networks

US battle networks heavily depend on satellites. If a few critical satellites are disabled, it could create blind spots for F-35-type aircraft, significantly reducing their situational awareness. Russia is known for its aggressive tactics in disabling enemy satellites.

Utilizing Passive Sensors and Intelligence Gathering

Passive sensors and intelligence gathering represent another layer of defense against stealth aircraft. Modern radars and passive radar systems are developing faster than stealth technologies, and improvements in infrared sensor ranges and satellite tracking are making it harder for stealth machines to remain undetected. Additionally, Russian intelligence agencies have been gathering data on the vulnerabilities of US stealth technology for decades, providing them with valuable insights.

The Role of Other Russian Aircraft

Russia's SU-57 fighter jet is designed to compete with both F-35 and F-22, and while it is often said to have better maneuverability, its avionics are still considered sub-par compared to Western counterparts. The SU-57 may not get the chance to enter a dogfight against the F-35 or F-22. Nevertheless, it remains a significant threat in its own right.

In conclusion, while Russia can challenge the F-35 using a variety of tactics, the most effective defense is to avoid conflict. Unfortunately, given Russia's aggressive military actions, this option has already been ruled out. The successful deployment of F-35s by the US Navy marks a significant shift in the balance of power, and Russia's challenge lies in neutralizing these threats through a multifaceted approach.