Decisive sky: F‑16 Fighters poised to reshape Ukraine's aerial combat
Aviation market development expert Bogdan Dolince is confident that the Russians will quickly feel the impact of F-16s on the front. He points out that, aside from the fighters, the weaponry that comes with them will significantly contribute to their effectiveness.
The F-16 is the world’s most famous combat aircraft, and many countries have used it over the years. One of its key features is its ability to adapt to a wide range of armaments. The F-16 can be equipped with air-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, and various bombs such as CBU-87, CBU-89, GBU-10, GBU-12, Paveway, or JDAM.
Adding air-to-air missiles like the AIM-120 AMRAAM could significantly benefit the Ukrainians. An F-16 can carry up to six of these missiles, which feature an active radar-guidance system, enabling them to hit targets from about 100 to 160 kilometres away (depending on the model).
The Russians will quickly notice the F-16s
Dolince claims that the Russians will be the first to learn about the F-16s in Ukraine. With the introduction of American fighters, their aviation and other military targets will experience the full power and capabilities of Ukrainian military aviation.
Compared to the Soviet-era aircraft still used by Ukrainian aviation, the F-16 is a significantly more advanced model. It boasts a plethora of electronic systems that assist pilots in control and targeting. Moreover, it can reach speeds of up to Mach 2 (over 2090 km/h) and operate at altitudes of up to about 15,000 metres.
When will Ukraine receive F-16s?
NATO countries committed to supporting Ukraine with F-16 fighters, including Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium, have pledged dozens of units. So far, none have been deployed to the front, but this is expected to change imminently.
According to Reuters, citing a high-ranking Ukrainian military official, the first F-16 fighters will be delivered to the Ukrainian army in June or July when converted to Greenwich Mean Time.
Selected Ukrainian pilots have already been undergoing training in the West for weeks. This week, the first F-16 flight simulator was delivered to Ukraine, courtesy of the Czech Republic.
