Contents tagged with F-16

  • Ukrainian F-16s empowered with advanced weaponry and electronic warfare systems for frontline combat

    Experts have spotted GBU-39/B guided bombs on Ukrainian fighter jets and noted the presence of the AN/ALQ-131 system, which protects the aircraft from Russian radars.

    The role of F-16 fighters within the Ukrainian Air Force has long extended beyond providing air defense in rear areas. These aircraft are actively engaged on the front lines, carrying out a wide array of combat missions, including air-to-air combat and precision strikes on ground targets.

    Defense Express analysts have discussed …

  • Ukraine receives F-16 fighter jets from the Netherlands, confirms delivery of Mirage 2000 aircraft

    Ukraine has received delivery of a shipment of F-16 fighter jets from the Netherlands, and also confirmed the arrival of Mirage 2000 aircraft. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced on his Facebook page that the Ukrainian Air Force has received these advanced jets from France as well. The modern aircraft are now in Ukraine and are expected to soon undertake combat missions, bolstering Ukraine's defense and its capacity to effectively resist Russian aggression, Umerov emphasized.

    Umerov …

  • Ukrainian F-16 pilot sets record by destroying six cruise missiles in single mission amid massive Russian assault

    In an unprecedented feat during the Russian attack on December 13, a Ukrainian F-16 pilot set a remarkable record by downing six cruise missiles in a single combat sortie. Initially, American trainers were skeptical about the capabilities of Ukrainian pilots to achieve such a feat. During the massive missile and drone assault on December 13, 2024, the pilot managed to destroy six Russian cruise missiles, marking a historic moment in military aviation.

    On that day, nearly 200 Russian drones, " …

  • Belgium postpones F-16 delivery to Ukraine amid shortage of parts and pilots

    Belgium's Defence Minister Ludivine Dedonder revealed on December 18th that the delivery of the first batch of F-16 fighters to Ukraine has been postponed. The delay is attributed to a shortage of parts and an insufficient number of qualified pilots.

    According to Le Soir, Belgium has also experienced delays in acquiring new American F-35 fighters, which were ordered back in 2018 to replace the older F-16s. Although the first batch was expected in 2023, delivery schedules have slipped to 2024. …

  • Ukraine receives second shipment of F-16 fighter jets from Denmark

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announces the arrival of a second shipment of F-16 fighter jets from Denmark.

    "The second shipment of F-16s from Denmark is now in Ukraine. This is leadership in defense of life that distinguishes Denmark," Zelensky wrote on Telegram, thanking Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen personally: "Mette, thank you, your team, and all the Danish people!"

    Zelensky also detailed that the jets from the initial delivery by Denmark "are already intercepting …

  • Ukrainian F-16s: a game changer in missile defense

    In a recent interview with Sky News, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets successfully intercepted and destroyed seven Russian cruise missiles aimed at civilian targets during a mass missile strike by Russian forces.

    Analysts from Army Recognition note that the acquisition of F-16 Fighting Falcon jets proved to be a pivotal moment for Ukraine's air power, as these aircraft are equipped with advanced technology and avionics. Famed for their …

  • Dutch Chief of Defense cautions against premature delivery of Swedish Gripen jets to Ukraine amid pilot shortages

    Dutch Chief of Defense, General Onno Eichelsheim, has advised Western allies to be cautious in supplying Ukraine with "too many systems," citing a shortage of pilots in Ukraine's air force.

    Sweden has shown willingness to send its JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine. However, several Western allies, including the Netherlands, deem this move premature. Eichelsheim suggests that Ukraine should prioritize mastering the already-delivered F-16s, according to Breaking Defense.

    While Sweden …

  • Norway commits $118.8 million for Ukrainian F-16 armament and maintenance

    Norway has announced plans to allocate funds for the procurement of weapons and spare parts for Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets. During his visit to Odesa, Norwegian Defense Minister Bjorn Arild Gram unveiled additional military assistance for Ukraine, specifically for the maintenance of the F-16 aircraft. Norway is expected to provide $118.8 million in grants for these purposes through the JUMPSTART mechanism, according to Militarnyi.

    Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov emphasized that this …

  • Dutch Defense Minister approves Ukraine's use of F-16s for strikes in Russian territory

    Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans announced that Ukraine has the green light to employ F-16 fighter jets to strike military targets within Russian territory, reports Ukrinform.

    Brekelmans emphasized that utilizing military equipment against Russian targets does not contravene international law, stating, "We have always maintained that Ukraine should adhere to international law. International law does not impose distance restrictions. It doesn’t halt at the border or 100 kilometers beyond …

  • Dutch government grants Ukraine permission to use F-16s for strikes inside Russia

    The Netherlands has allowed Ukraine to conduct strikes deep into Russian territory, using weapons it supplied, including F-16 fighter jets. Ukraine's right to self-defense, as acknowledged by Dutch officials, "doesn't end 100 km from the border."

    Ukraine may use Dutch-supplied weapons to target Russian military installations inside Russia, said Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans in an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

    "Kyiv has the right to self-defense. If attacks are …