F-16s Are More Critical For Ukraine Than Ever

Since its induction in service, Ukraine has deployed the aircraft for air defense roles to neutralize Russian cruise missiles and drones. Last month, for instance, the Ukrainian F-16s allegedly shot down ten Russian aerial targets in a spectacular tactical victory.

Earlier this month, Ukraine received a second batch of F-16 fighter jets from Denmark, further strengthening its air defense capabilities against ongoing Russian attacks.

In a statement on social media, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, “The second batch of F-16s from Denmark has arrived in Ukraine. This is an example of leadership in defending lives that sets Denmark apart.”

Stressing that the new aircraft would strengthen Ukraine’s defenses against Russian strikes, Zelenskyy added, “Now, our air shield has been further strengthened. If all partners were as determined, Russian terror could already have been made impossible.”

However, later in the month, a Belgian daily, Le Soir, disclosed that the delivery schedule for the Belgian F-16 has been delayed, with the first units of the fighter jets now unlikely to arrive until 2025. The delay stems from a combination of factors, primarily the lack of adequately trained Ukrainian pilots and shortages of spare parts.

The F-16 has proven to be a critical addition to Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, and the embattled country needs these advanced fighter jets now more than ever, with Russia hitting Ukrainian cities and destroying its energy infrastructure amid a harsh European winter.

Though losing a fighter jet in combat is a setback, it is not unforeseen. Despite the loss, the F-16’s proven capabilities are ideally suited to the key mission objectives Ukraine must achieve.

With their sophisticated weapons and electronic warfare systems, these jets are an essential part of Ukraine’s arsenal. The F-16s are equipped with a range of weapons, including AIM-9 short-range and AIM-120 medium-range missiles, designed to intercept enemy targets at varying distances. In fact, the upgraded AIM-9X variant provides the fighter with a longer range of up to 30 kilometers, making it ideal for intercepting drones and cruise missiles. 

The F-16s have the M61 Vulcan, a six-barrel 20-mm gun that can fire 512 rounds, which gives them an advantage in dogfights and is designed for close combat.

Additionally, the aircraft has advanced avionics, such as the Link-16 information exchange system, that enables pilots to launch missiles using external targeting data, ensuring more flexibility and accuracy in combat. The integration of these systems represents a crucial leap in operational capability, which allows Ukraine’s Air Force to counter Russian air threats more effectively.

The lethality and survivability of the Ukrainian F-16 are enhanced by the electronic warfare (EW) systems installed on the aircraft. These systems have been reconfigured by the US Air Force (USAF) to defend the aircraft against evolving Russian threats. The threat library in the upgraded EW systems includes the latest information on Russian military assets that are located within 300 kilometers of the frontline. 

With these cutting-edge features, the F-16 stands out as the most advanced fighter jet in Ukraine’s inventory, which is predominantly composed of outdated Soviet-era fighters.