F‑16 fighters poised to reshape conflict dynamics in Ukraine
Aviation market development expert Bogdan Dolince does not doubt that the Russians will quickly feel the presence of F-16s on the front. He also notes that, besides the fighters themselves, the weaponry delivered with them will play an important role.
The F-16 is the most popular combat aircraft in the world. Over the years, it has been equipped by many countries, and one of the most frequently mentioned advantages of this machine is its adaptation to various kinds of armament. The F-16 can carry, among other things, air-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, and bombs such as CBU-87, CBU-89, GBU-10, GBU-12, Paveway, or JDAM.
From the perspective of the Ukrainians, the transfers of air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM could be particularly valuable. Each F-16 is capable of carrying up to six of these missiles, which use an active radar guidance system and allow for hitting targets from about 100 kilometres to even 160 kilometres (depending on the version).
The Russians will quickly feel the appearance of F-16s
"The first ones who will learn about the appearance of F-16s in Ukraine will be the Russians—their aviation and other Russian military targets, which in the first few weeks will feel the full power and all the capabilities that will appear in the Ukrainian military aviation along with the American fighters," stated Dolince.
Compared to the Soviet-era machines that Ukrainian aviation still has to rely on, the F-16 is a significantly more modern aircraft. It has numerous electronic systems that help pilots control and target. At the same time, it can reach speeds of up to Mach 2 (over 2090 km/h) and operate at altitudes of up to about 15,000 meters.
When will Ukraine receive F-16s?
NATO countries that have committed to support Ukraine with F-16 fighters (so far, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium have done so) declare that they have already earmarked dozens of units. So far, none have reached the front, but that is expected to change at any moment.
According to information provided by the Reuters agency citing a high-ranking Ukrainian military source, the first F-16 fighters will be handed over to the Ukrainian army in June or July, accounting for the time difference, possibly by late June or early July Eastern Time.
Selected Ukrainian pilots have been undergoing appropriate training in the West for weeks. This week, the first F-16 flight simulator was delivered to Ukraine. It was donated by the Czech Republic.
