F‑16 fighter jets: unleashing Ukraine's air dominance and Russia's unease
Ukrainian authorities believe that a fleet of 120 F-16 aircrafts would guarantee air dominance, as previously stated by Mykola Malomuzh. Svitan elaborates on why these aircraft are considered a significant issue for Russia and their apprehension about F-16s.
- F-16 threatens Russia because this aircraft does not operate independently. It serves as a launch platform for several missiles capable of targeting enemy aircraft and land-based targets like air defense systems - explains Roman Svitan.
He emphasized the importance of the F-16 to Ukraine, mainly because these fighters could counteract Russian air defense systems. This makes it much easier for American aircraft to strike enemy targets on the ground and in the air.
- Russia is well aware of this and is strategizing accordingly. They are undoubtedly making preparations. One of their strategies could be to destroy or take control of the airports where the F-16s could potentially land - Svitan discloses. He also suggests that the Russian-controlled regions, including Crimea, would be the most vulnerable. The fusion of Ukraine's F-16 fleet with long-range missile systems is forecasted to have devastating impacts on the aggressor.
F-16 for Ukraine
Currently, the leading aircraft utilized by the Ukrainian army are the post-Soviet MiG-29s and Su-27s. The American F-16s are remarkably superior in terms of firepower and overall performance.
The F-16 has a length of approximately 49.2 ft. Its standard armament includes the 20 mm M61 Vulcan cannon, but it can also carry additional weapons such as AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM, AGM-65 Maverick, or anti-ship AGM-84D Harpoon missiles. It's this arsenal that instills fear in the Russians. The F-16, capable of speeds up to Mach 2 and operational at altitudes of as high as 49,212.6 ft, can also carry bombs like GBU-10, GBU-12, or JDAM.
