Ukraine to boost air combat capabilities with awaited F‑16 jets

Ukrainian forces are eagerly awaiting the delivery of F-16 jets. These aircraft, highly sought after by Ukraine and deemed by experts among the most advanced, will likely join the front-line combat soon. Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anušauskas, speaking at the Munich Security Conference, mentioned that the jets are expected to be delivered to the country by as early as June.

Contrary reports suggest that F-16s may be in action on the front lines. According to aviation expert Roman Svitana, the first of these jets have been spotted in the Ukrainian sky, although they do not remain in Ukraine daily. While the military awaits these fighters, which have "exceeded the pilots' expectations," former American pilot Peter Greenburg discussed using F-16s in Ukraine in an interview with Voice of America.

"The transition to F-16s will simplify the use of Western weapons for the Ukrainian army", Greenburg explains. This change will allow for a quicker and more efficient deployment of weapons against the enemy, with a higher success rate in hitting targets. He also highlights the current challenge Ukrainian pilots face when using Western weapons with their existing MiGs and Su-27s.

"It will be challenging for Ukraine, given the known effectiveness of the occupiers' air defense system. Russian equipment is generally impressive, at least on paper," Greenburg comments on the risk posed by Russian weapons. However, he emphasizes that the introduction of F-16s will greatly enhance Ukraine's existing capabilities, especially regarding the use of Western weapons, which are currently deployed from outdated aircraft lacking modern software.

It's worth noting that the F-16s, eagerly awaited by Ukraine, rank among the most sophisticated and effective fighter jets globally. Their versatility is highlighted by their ability to carry many bombs and missiles, including notable types like the AIM-9 Sidewinder, AGM-65 Maverick, and AGM-158 JASSM.

The AGM-158 JASSM, also in use by the Polish military, stands out due to its considerable range of about 248.5 miles in the basic version and its hefty weight of about 948 lbs (armed with a WDU-42/B penetration warhead).

Moreover, these jets counter enemy forces with a six-barrel M61 Vulcan cannon of 20 mm caliber and can reach speeds of about Mach 2. Operating up to approximately 9.3 miles, their range is about 1,988, extendable to 2,610 miles with additional fuel tanks.