F‑16s arrive in Ukraine but experts doubt their game-changing impact

Konstantyn Krywolap, an aviation expert from Ukraine, has no doubts about the quality of the aviation currently used by the defending army. He points out that Ukrainian planes are incredibly outdated, and the modern F-16s delivered to the front are "a developing platform."

American F-16 fighter jets, now piloted by Ukrainian pilots, will not be a panacea for Russia's threat—this is a repeatedly stated opinion echoed by successive experts. Aviation industry specialists have noted that Ukraine needs far more aircraft than its Western allies will supply.

In a similar tone, Ukrainian aviation expert Konstantyn Krywolap recently spoke to Channel 24. He compared the currently used Ukrainian aircraft with the new F-16s, and his words leave no illusions: the aviation of the Ukrainian armed forces is outdated.

We read on the Channel 24 portal that Russia significantly surpasses Ukraine in the aviation context. Although Western F-16s can improve the situation on the front, older machines still flown by defenders remain a problem. – All aircraft, except for those provided to Ukraine by our partners, were modernized in the early 2000s, says Krywolap.

Speaking about Ukrainian aviation, the expert emphasizes that Kyiv has "old systems with radars with a range of 70-80 kilometres." Missiles fired from aircraft have to move in the company of planes, as pilots "illuminate" them with their radar – we read. So, until the missile hits its target, the pilot cannot return. – This is the opposite of the operation of modern fighters – explains Krywolap.

It is also important to note that Ukraine has long been deprived of spare parts for its aircraft. – For almost 20 years, Ukraine has not received spare parts from Russia for old aircraft. The aircraft fleet is exceptionally outdated, and if we speak of the F-16, it was created as a developing technological platform – according to an expert from Ukraine. He also added that in his opinion the F-16 is not outdated like Ukrainian MiGs or Sus, however, 50 years have passed since its first release.

Let us recall that F-16 fighters are aircraft characterized by excellent manoeuvrability. This is primarily due to their low empty weight, about 8,000 kilograms, and maximum speed of around 2,490 kilometres per hour. Under the fuselage of this American machine can be found weapons mounted on nine hardpoints. The manufacturer has adapted the equipment to carry a variety of guided missiles, radar-guided missiles (AIM-120 AMRAAM), and bombs weighing up to 900 kilograms.