45 Blue bristles with no fewer than 10 air-to-air missiles—arguably one of the heaviest air combat load-outs ever on an operational warplane. The missiles include six Vympel R-27 long-range semi-active-radar homers plus four Vympel R-73 short-range infrared models. The Russian-made Su-27 also packs a 30-millimeter cannon.

The Ukrainian air force operates around 250 warplanes including up to 42 Su-27s, although most of the Flankers are grounded pending repairs or upgrades. 45 Blue and presumably other Ukrainian Su-27s have begun flying with 10 air-to-air missiles apparently as part of Kiev’s mobilization for possible war with Russia.

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