F‑16 Fighters poised to shift balance in Ukraine conflict

Aviation market development expert Bogdan Dolince is confident that introducing F-16s to the front will immediately impact Russian forces. He emphasizes that the significant role of the weaponry accompanying these fighters should not be overlooked.

The F-16, renowned as the most popular combat aircraft globally, has been utilized by numerous countries thanks to its ability to adapt to various armaments. Among its capabilities, the F-16 can be equipped with air-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, and various bombs, including CBU-87, CBU-89, GBU-10, GBU-12, Paveway, and JDAM.

Adding air-to-air missiles like the AIM-120 AMRAAM for the Ukrainian forces could prove especially beneficial. The F-16, capable of carrying up to six of these missiles, utilizes an active radar guidance system, enabling it to strike targets up to 62 to 99 miles away, depending on the missile version.

“The Russians will be the first to notice the deployment of F-16s in Ukraine - their aviation and other military targets will experience the full might and capabilities of Ukrainian military aviation, bolstered by the American fighters,” Dolince stated.

The F-16 offers a significant upgrade over the Soviet-era aircraft currently in the Ukrainian fleet. It features advanced electronic systems that assist pilots with navigation and targeting. Additionally, it can reach speeds of up to Mach 2 (over 1300 mph) and operate at altitudes as high as approximately 49,000 feet.

NATO countries, including Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium, have pledged their support to Ukraine with F-16 fighters, earmarking dozens of units for this purpose. While none have yet been deployed to the front, their arrival is anticipated imminently.

According to Reuters, citing a senior Ukrainian military official, the Ukrainian army is expected to receive its first F-16 fighters by June or July.

Selected Ukrainian pilots have received specialized training in the West for weeks. Additionally, this week marked the arrival of the first F-16 flight simulator in Ukraine, a donation from the Czech Republic.