Ukraine enhances F‑16 fleet to counter Russian air threats
Ukraine currently operates a limited number of F-16 aircraft actively engaged in defending its airspace. Here's an explanation of their current use and characteristics.
Beyond a small fleet of F-16A/B MLU aircraft, Ukraine also has remaining units of MiG-29 and Su-27 aircraft. Although the F-16s provided by countries like Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway are older AM/BM versions with modifications, they are still among Ukraine's most capable aircraft.
Initially, these aircraft were deployed to combat drones deep within Ukraine. In the recording below, a unit, possibly equipped with AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles with a range of around 60 miles, returns from an interception mission against, for example, a Su-34 aircraft, an event that has already occurred.
F-16A/B MLU — NATO relics as a lethal threat to Russians
According to earlier reports, Ukraine was expected to receive a second batch of aircraft by the end of 2024. The aircraft obtained are in the F-16AM/BM version, which stems from the Mid-Life Update modernization of the 1990s.
This was just the starting point. Before being delivered to Ukraine, the F-16s underwent additional modernization, which included the removal of equipment exclusive to NATO countries. Meanwhile, the aircraft were integrated with the latest weaponry, such as AASM Hammer bombs, and equipped with advanced targeting pods like the AN/ASQ-213 HTS, maximizing their capability to deploy, for example, AGM-88 HARM missiles.
The AN/APG-66 and AN/APG-68 radars were likely upgraded, or newer AN/APG-83 SABR radars were installed, providing significantly enhanced performance. As a result, a machine emerged that bridges the gap between the basic F-16A/B MLU models and the more advanced F-16C/D Block 52+ models.
The F-16 is armed with a six-barrel M61A1 Vulcan cannon of 0.79 inches (20 mm) caliber and boasts 11 pylons for armaments, with a maximum total payload capacity of up to 15,000 pounds. Two of the pylons, situated at the wing tips, are reserved exclusively for short-range AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. Additionally, 2-3 pylons under the fuselage typically carry a targeting pod and fuel tanks, leaving six wing pylons ready for use.
