Ukraine gains air strength with first batch of F‑16 jets
Ukraine has received the first batch of the long-awaited F-16 aircraft, with more planes from Denmark expected to arrive in Ukraine by the end of 2024. Let's review the performance of these fighter jets and what they offer Ukraine.
Ukrainian aviation is currently a shadow of its former self, possessing only a handful of planes, including MiG-29s, Su-27s, Su-24s, Su-25s, and a few F-16s.
These fighter jets have proven very effective in hunting drones and cruise missiles, but unfortunately, there are too few F-16s to meet the demand. To make matters worse, one F-16 has already been lost, significantly weakening the capabilities of Ukrainian aviation. However, by the end of 2024, a second batch of planes from Denmark will arrive in Ukraine, which, in combination with a potential delivery of the remaining Polish MiGs, will significantly boost Ukraine's air force.
F-16A/B MLU — protecting Ukraine with enhanced capabilities
The planes delivered to Ukraine are specially modified versions of the F-16A/B MLU (Mid-Life Update). These versions, originating from the ’90s, were upgraded for integration with AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, which have a range of approximately or over 100 kilometres, and fitted with radars suited to these parameters.
This was the starting base, but the aircraft sent to Ukraine underwent additional modifications last year. There have been reports of integrating these planes with French-guided bombs such as the AASM Hammer or targeting pods like the AN/ASQ-213 HTS. These modifications allow for the optimal use of anti-radiation missiles like the AGM-88 HARM or bombs like the JDAM-ER.
As a result, the modified planes possess capabilities somewhere between the F-16A/B MLU and the F-16C/D Block 52+. Much of their effectiveness depends on the radar used, as there is a substantial difference in performance between the AN/APG-66, the AN/APG-68, and the new AN/APG-83 SABR.
The F-16 is equipped with a six-barrel M61A1 Vulcan 20 mm cannon and has a total of 11 pylons for armaments. However, the two outermost pylons on the wing tips are solely for short-range air-to-air AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, and 2-3 underbody pylons typically carry targeting pods and fuel tanks. In practice, this leaves a maximum of six pylons on the wings for heavier armaments.
