Ukraine's awaited F‑16 fighters: Game changer in the battle against Russia?

Spokesperson Jurij Ihnat stressed that achieving air superiority along the main frontline is key to the success of operations aimed at pushing Russians beyond Ukraine's borders. Speaking with the Focus portal, he emphasized that thanks to the F-16, the Ukrainian army will be more effective in countering enemy missiles, drones, aircraft, and in particular, significantly damaging the state of Russian logistics.

"Observe the volume of Russian equipment being destroyed on the battlefield daily. They must replenish all of this. The destruction of logistics - these small bases, field control points, and ammunition depots - can be achieved with precise airstrikes. The F-16, loaded with a wide range of weapons, can deliver severe blows to the enemy," said the spokesperson for the Ukrainian air forces.

Jurij Ihnat pointed out that the F-16 fighters are far superior to the post-Soviet planes currently in Ukraine's arsenal, and they have an essential feature: the ability to carry various types of weapons. It's important to note that F-16s can employ a diverse assortment of weaponry, including the AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM, AGM-88 HARM, AGM-65 Maverick, AGM-84D Harpoon and Penguin anti-ship missiles, as well as CBU-87, CBU-89, GBU-10, GBU-12, Paveway or JDAM bombs.

Capable of reaching speeds of up to Mach 2 (over 1,300 mph) and operating at altitudes of up to 9 miles, the F-16 fighters come standard with a six-barrel M61 Vulcan 20 mm cannon.

However, a concern among Ukrainian military personnel and experts is the number of F-16s that will eventually make it to Ukraine. Jurij Ihnat stated emphatically that "two or three planes" will not secure victory. The readiness of Western allies to transfer dozens of such machines has been expressed, but there is suspicion that even this may be inadequate, as suggested by General Mykola Malomuzh.

In a recent interview, General Malomuzh stated that full dominance could only be achieved with approximately 120 F-16s or a combination of F-16s and other western aircraft that Ukraine wishes to add to its armed forces. These include the Swedish JAS 39 Gripen and French Mirage-2000D. Additionally, Kyiv has formally inquired about procuring the Australian F/A-18 Hornets.

Jurij Ihnat added that to end the war, Ukraine needs ample quantities of other sophisticated long-range weapons. Among these are the Storm Shadow and SCALP-EG missiles supplied by the UK and France, as well as the Taurus missiles. Unfortunately, for months, the German government has refused to allow the latter's transfer. During the last Bundestag debate, it denied a request from the CDU and CSU parties for this weapon to be dispatched in support of Ukraine.