Ukraine's modernized F‑16s: Turning the tide in air defense
Ukraine possesses a limited number of F-16 aircraft actively engaged in defending its airspace. We explain their current use and characteristics.
In addition to a few F-16A/B MLU aircraft, Ukrainians have remnants of a fleet of MiG-29 and Su-27 aircraft. Although the F-16 aircraft supplied by countries such as Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway are older AM/BM versions with modifications, they remain Ukraine's most advanced aircraft.
Initially, they were employed to combat drones deep within Ukraine. However, the unit visible in the recording below, possibly equipped with AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles—boasting a range of approximately 96 kilometres—returns from an interception mission, such as that of a Su-34 aircraft, which has already occurred.
F-16A/B MLU — NATO relics a lethal threat to Russians
According to earlier reports, Ukraine was expected to receive a second batch of aircraft by the end of 2024. The aircraft received by Ukraine are in the F-16AM/BM version, stemming from the Mid-Life Update modification of the 1990s.
This was merely a starting point, as the F-16s underwent further modernisation prior to delivery to Ukraine. This included the removal of equipment reserved for NATO countries. Conversely, the aircraft were to be integrated with the latest weaponry, such as AASM Hammer bombs, and equipped with advanced targeting pods such as the AN/ASQ-213 HTS, enabling full capabilities of, for example, AGM-88 HARM missiles.
It is likely the AN/APG-66, AN/APG-68 radars were also modified, or possibly even newer AN/APG-83 SABR radars were integrated, offering significantly enhanced parameters. As a result, an aircraft has emerged that positions itself between the basic F-16A/B MLU models and the more advanced F-16C/D Block 52+ models.
The F-16 is equipped with a six-barrel M61A1 Vulcan cannon of 20 mm calibre and features a total of 11 pylons for armaments with a maximum combined payload capacity of up to 6,800 kilograms. Two of the pylons, located at the wing tips, are designated solely for short-range AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. Additionally, 2-3 pylons under the fuselage typically carry a targeting pod and fuel tanks, leaving six wing pylons available for use.
