F‑16s to operate 40km from front line to avoid Russian attacks
The commander of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrsky, explains in an interview with The Guardian website that F-16 fighter jets, soon arriving at the front line, will face some limitations. To prevent the planes from being destroyed by the Russians, F-16s will not be allowed to fly within 40 kilometres of the front line.
Although many experts believe the much-anticipated F-16 fighters, supplied by Ukraine's Western allies, have the potential to change the course of the conflict, some opinions counter this, suggesting that the American machines will not be "miracle weapons."
Military experts have recently highlighted that F-16s will face significant challenges in conducting effective attacks and ensuring their survival. Studies indicate that the greatest threats to the Russians will come from fighter jets operating around Crimea and southern Ukraine, where Ukrainians are expected to have the freedom to utilize radar planes.
However, the situation appears slightly more precarious for the Ukrainian Armed Forces along the eastern and northeastern borders of Ukraine. Russians are reportedly amassing more resources to combat F-16s in these areas, presenting a significant threat to the aircraft.
Ukrainians want to protect F-16s from attacks
The Ukrainian military is fully aware of the difficulties and risks F-16 pilots will encounter in Ukraine. The fighters will be targeted by the Russians, making it crucial to ensure their safety. Oleksandr Syrsky revealed that one measure to support the defending forces and increase the survivability of the fighter crews is to ensure that F-16s remain no closer than 40 kilometres from the front line. F-16s will have to stay 40 km or more from the front line due to the risk of being destroyed by Moscow, Syrsky said.
However, it is important to remember that the Russian Federation also has concerns about its aviation. Recently, it admitted it has difficulties defending against Ukrainian missiles and drones. As a result, Moscow plans to prepare special hangars to protect its most valuable planes from threats.
The arsenal of these remarkable fighters amplifies this threat. F-16s are considered among the best fighter jets in the world today. They are incredibly manoeuvrable, capable of accelerating to about 2500 kilometres per hour, and weigh a relatively light 8000 kilograms.
The armament of these American machines is formidable. Mounted on the F-16's underwing hardpoints can be an array of different guided missiles, including the AGM-65 Maverick, Mk.82/84 bombs weighing up to 900 kilograms (in the case of the Mk.84), and AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air radar missiles.
F-16s can operate at a maximum altitude of over 15 kilometres. The basic version of these fighters has a range of 3200 kilometres, which can extend to 4200 kilometres with an additional fuel tank installed.
