New F‑16 fighters bolster Ukraine's aerial defenses
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that a new batch of F-16 fighters has arrived in Ukraine from a Western European country. During a press conference on March 19, Zelensky stated that several aircraft were involved in the delivery, but he did not disclose the exact number, as reported by the Kyiv Independent.
The President of Ukraine also emphasized that Russian reports about the recent shooting down of one of the American-made fighters are false. The "Kyiv Independent" notes that since the start of the Russian invasion, Ukraine has been seeking deliveries of F-16s. The first fighters arrived in August 2024 after securing approval from several Western countries. Among the countries supporting Ukraine are the Netherlands, which pledged 24 aircraft, Denmark with 19 fighters, and Norway with commitments ranging from six to 22 fighters.
The role of F-16 – protecting the sky over Ukraine
F-16 fighters are used in both offensive and defensive operations in Ukraine. They play a crucial role in intercepting Russian missiles and drones during air attacks on Ukraine. Additionally, they can be deployed to attack Russian positions on the front line. Their delivery and the delivery of French multi-role Mirage 2000 fighters have significantly strengthened the Ukrainian Air Force, which had previously relied on Soviet-made aircraft.
The delivery of Western fighters has not gone unnoticed by Russians, particularly their propaganda outlets. The "Kyiv Independent" highlights reports from Russian media claiming that one of the F-16s was recently shot down in the Sumy region, a claim vehemently denied by the Ukrainian Air Force. President Zelensky also refuted this during a meeting with journalists. While Zelensky did not disclose the exact source of the latest F-16 deliveries, he emphasized that they are part of broader international support.
F-16 in Ukraine - characteristics
Ukraine received upgraded versions of the F-16AM/BM from its Western allies, originating from the initial F-16A/B models that underwent the MLU (Mid-Life Update) modernization program. The F-16AM/BM models feature improved avionics systems, including the AN/APG-66(V)2 radar, the capability to use modern helmet-mounted sights, and the Link 16 data exchange system. These modifications enable the aircraft to carry a wide range of armaments, including AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles and guided bombs.
However, despite these upgrades, Ukrainian military officials point out that the delivered F-16s are not modern enough to effectively compete with Russian Su-35 fighters in direct air-to-air combat. Furthermore, there are reports that the United States has halted the delivery of key components for these aircraft's electronic warfare systems, which may eventually limit their combat capabilities.
