Ukraine's F‑16 pilots boost air capabilities against Russia
In an interview published by the Ukrainian Air Force, a Ukrainian F-16 pilot discussed combat missions, tactics, and the use of Western technologies. The pilot, who remains anonymous, emphasised the high effectiveness of the fighter jets provided by Western allies.
The Ukrainian Air Force released details from an F-16 pilot describing Ukraine's daily air operations, according to Defence Express. The pilot highlighted the efficient use of Western technology in combat by the Ukrainian forces.
F-16 in Ukraine
He explained that F-16s are used almost daily for various missions, including strikes on targets beyond the front line, inside Russian territory, and in temporarily occupied areas. In addition to offensive strikes, these fighter jets provide air cover for other aircraft, such as the MiG-29, Su-27, and Su-25.
The pilot noted the high success rate of missile attacks, stating that over 80% of launched missiles hit their targets. This applies not only to Shahed drones but also to cruise missiles launched by Russia from sea, air, and land platforms.
The Ukrainian Air Force has been bolstered with F-16 fighter jets, which provide significant strength in the ongoing conflict with Russia. These adaptable combat aircraft have been provided by several European countries, including Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway. All the F-16s delivered are versions A/B MLU Block 10/15, which have been upgraded under a Mid-Life Update program to meet modern combat requirements.
The armament of these fighters includes a broad range of air-to-air missiles, such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM, as well as air-to-ground missiles, including AGM-65 Maverick missiles and GBU-12 Paveway II guided bombs. This enables Ukrainian F-16s to effectively carry out both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
