F‑16 fleet bolsters Ukraine’s air defence with NATO upgrades

In addition to a small fleet of F-16A/B MLU aircraft, Ukrainians maintain remnants of MiG-29 and Su-27 aircraft. Although the F-16 aircraft provided by countries such as Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway are older AM/BM versions with modifications, they remain Ukraine's best aircraft.

Initially, these aircraft were used to combat drones deep within Ukraine. The unit visible in the video below, possibly outfitted with AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles that have a range of approximately 97 kilometres, is shown returning from an interception mission, having engaged, for instance, a Su-34 aircraft, which has already occurred.

Earlier reports indicated Ukraine would receive a second aircraft batch by the end of 2024. The aircraft delivered to Ukraine are F-16AM/BM models, updated through the Mid-Life Update modernization from the 1990s.

This was only a starting point, as before being transferred to Ukraine, the F-16s underwent another modernization that included removing equipment exclusive to NATO countries. Meanwhile, they were integrated with cutting-edge weapons, including AASM Hammer bombs, and equipped with advanced targeting pods like the AN/ASQ-213 HTS, which enable full capabilities for munitions such as AGM-88 HARM missiles.

It's likely the AN/APG-66 and AN/APG-68 radars were also upgraded, or possibly newer AN/APG-83 SABR radars were installed, offering significantly enhanced capabilities. Consequently, these planes sit between the basic F-16A/B MLU models and more advanced F-16C/D Block 52+ models.

The F-16 is armed with a six-barrel M61A1 Vulcan cannon of 20 mm calibre and features 11 pylons for carrying armaments, with a maximum payload capacity of up to 6,800 kg. Two wingtip pylons are designated solely for short-range AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. Additionally, 2-3 pylons under the fuselage typically hold a targeting pod and fuel tanks, leaving six wing pylons available for other uses.