Avoid posting F‑16 footage: Ukraine warns of security risks
The Ukrainian Air Force issued an appeal on March 21 for citizens not to post recordings of the new F-16 fighter jets on social media. It emphasized that even brief clips could provide Russia with valuable intelligence that might help them target these important machines. The F-16 fighters are indeed a significant support for Ukrainian aerial operations.
The Ukrainian Air Force underscores that even a few seconds of footage can provide the enemy with critical data. Russian intelligence services, known for their advanced reconnaissance capabilities, could use such information for precise targeting, reports Bulgarian Military. It's worth noting that both Ukraine and Russia have experienced situations where internet posts revealed the locations of troops and equipment, leading to severe consequences.
Photos and videos can be used by foreign intelligence services
As we've already reported, photos and videos posted online are a source of information for foreign intelligence about army relocations, the movement of specific units, their numbers, ongoing activities, and military equipment. Additionally, from photos or videos, one can extract so-called metadata, which mainly includes the time they were taken and GPS coordinates. Therefore, appeals for restraint in such publications are not new, especially when it comes to such valuable equipment as F-16 fighter jets.
Ukraine is receiving additional promised F-16 jets from Western allies. The current number of aircraft that have reached Ukrainian pilots is unknown, but it's worth recalling that the Netherlands has pledged to deliver 24 aircraft, Denmark 19 fighters, and Norway between six and 22 fighters. Belgium is also on the list of suppliers, and in total, there is talk of up to 80 planes that would strengthen Ukraine's air combat and defence capabilities.
F-16 in Ukraine
Ukraine has primarily received F-16AM/BM Block 20 MLU (Mid-Life Update) versions, upgraded to a standard similar to the F-16C/D Block 50/52. These are multi-role fighters that have undergone comprehensive modernization of avionics, radar, and electronic warfare systems. At their core is the AN/APG-66(V)2 radar, with enhanced capabilities for tracking air and ground targets. The upgrades also included the cockpit, with pilots able to use colour multifunction displays and systems compatible with night vision.
The F-16s delivered to Ukraine can carry a wide range of air-to-air missiles and precision bombs. These are typically the American medium-range AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9 Sidewinder for close combat. The fighters can also carry JDAM bombs with GPS guidance systems, AGM-154 JSOW glide bombs, and AGM-88 HARM air-to-ground missiles, specialized in countering enemy radars.
