F‑16s poised to shift frontline dynamics in Ukraine, soldier claims

In an interview with the Espresso TV channel, when F-16 fighters start operating in Ukrainian skies, the dominance of Russian aviation at the front line will end, says Ivan Varchenko, a Ukrainian soldier. According to him, American aircraft are expected to alter the frontline dynamics.

The arrival of F-16 fighters is expected in a matter of weeks. Despite a few months' delay in their delivery, the aircraft is anticipated at the front by the upcoming summer. However, the defending army will not receive the announcement of several dozen aircraft immediately. Initially, six F-16 fighters will be deployed.

The long-anticipated aircraft has received high praise from military experts and soldiers alike. Pilots, including one from the USA, using the call sign T-Bone, have noted that "the F-16 is a prima donna, very sensitive and demanding rigorous maintenance". With such positive feedback, it's no surprise that Ukrainians eagerly await these American fighters. Recently, Ivan Varchenko, a Ukrainian soldier, highlighted the importance of having F-16s in Ukrainian airspace.

He asserts that "F-16s will significantly alter the frontline situation". He points out that these aircraft are equipped with valuable AIM-120 missiles. "With favourable winds, the AIM-120 missile can hit Russian aircraft from a distance of about 178 kilometres," explains Varchenko.

Russian dominance and their aerial advantage over the frontline will be nullified with F-16 operations in Ukrainian skies," he adds. Upon the fighters' arrival in Ukraine, "Russian aggressors will definitely not feel secure or at ease." Varchenko warns that the F-16s will inflict substantial losses on the Russians—not just in dozens but in hundreds.

Additionally, the military man acknowledges that F-16s are not a "magic pill". Nonetheless, he emphasises that while the fighters won't solve all problems at the frontline, they will enable significant advancements. This includes moving some of the weapons closer to the Russians, complicating their combat tactics.

It's important to note that the F-16's primary armament is the six-barrel M61 Vulcan cannon, 20mm in calibre. However, from an offensive standpoint, the weapon stations are more pivotal. These stations accommodate powerful missiles (e.g., AIM-9 or the discussed AIM-120 AMRAAM) or bombs (e.g., from the CBU family). The top speed of these American fighters, utilised by armies worldwide, reaches Mach 2, or about 2,400 km/h. Their maximum range exceeds 4,000 kilometres.