Ukraine continues to enhance its military air fleet, but even modern F-16s are currently unable to perform the most complex combat tasks.
This was stated by aviation expert Konstantin Krivolap during a broadcast on FREEДOM. According to him, the key issue lies in the lack of modern radar systems and air-to-air missiles like the AMRAAM, which have a longer range. Such equipment would enable the fighters to carry out missions not only within a limited airspace defense but also to participate in serious aerial offensives.
Currently, the F-16s in Ukraine can perform limited functions as air defense assets, but this is insufficient for effectively countering Russia.
"We have not yet received any [long-range radar detection aircraft] Saab 340 that the Swedes promised us. We have not received the AMRAAM missiles of the appropriate range. The existing AMRAAM missiles can be used with NASAMS systems; they can shoot down helicopters and possibly even Su-25 and Su-24 aircraft. However, our F-16s with the current missiles and radars are not yet equipped to handle the necessary serious tasks," explains Krivolap.
Regarding the promised Mirage 2000s from France, Krivolap notes that their arrival, although it adds the potential to use powerful Storm Shadow missiles, will not significantly change the situation. The reason is that these aircraft, like the F-16s, are not equipped with long-range radar detection systems and require a lengthy preparation process to carry out complex operations.
"In fact, they will simply be carriers of SCALP and Storm Shadow in a slightly better modification than our Su-24 bombers," says the expert.
Krivolap emphasizes that only the Saab 340 AEW&C long-range radar detection aircraft can significantly change the situation. Sweden announced their transfer to Ukraine back in May. The expert concludes that the arrival of these aircraft will unlock the potential of the F-16s and Mirages.
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