Ukraine’s air defense to reach new heights with F-16 fighter jets, says US expert
The expert highlighed the aircraft's potential to strike deep within Russian airspace and bolster Ukraine's air defense systems.
American intelligence and counterterrorism expert Malcolm Nance told UkrInform that he believes the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ F-16 aircraft would change the situation on the front lines.
While commenting on Western media reports suggesting that the aircraft would not impact the war’s course, he noted: “They have said the same thing about every weapon system provided to Ukraine,” including the HIMARS high-mobility artillery rocket systems.
“HIMARS changed the game, turned the tide on the battlefield,” he said, adding: “Then ATACMS missiles, which were long withheld, became the next superweapon.”
He explained that certain weapons “do not win wars on their own.” Instead, they create a system of means to suppress the enemy effectively.
According to Nance, the F-16s will give Ukraine new capabilities for defending against air threats from the Russian army.
“A fighter jet is equipped with AMRAAM missiles. Now, the range to the target will be 100 kilometers. Russian planes will explode along with cruise missiles in Russian airspace,” the expert explained.
He noted that when integrated into Ukraine’s air defense system, F-16s will be able to intercept Russian “Kinzhal” missiles and pursue bombers and fighters with the help of AMRAAM.
Nance also explained that one or two F-16s flying at very low altitudes, using NATO information, AWACS systems, or air defense systems, can strike air targets at considerable depth.
“Now you can extend your air defense far beyond Russian borders. So, F-16 jets will change the situation,” the expert concluded.
For over two years, Ukraine has sought US-made F-16 fighter jets to enhance its air defenses against Russia’s air superiority. The country has received the first six jets from the Netherlands. Media reports say that Ukraine could receive only about ten F-16 fighter jets as of today.
Read more:
- ISW: Ukraine will need to continue targeting Russian air defense assets to enable F-16 use
- Ukraine receives F-16 fighter jets with early missile warning systems
- Zelenskyy confirms the delivery of F-16s and congratulates troops on the Air Force Day
- Ukraine reportedly receives 10 F-16 fighter jets in the first batch
- Atlantic Council: F-16 jets to bolster Ukraine’s air defense but won’t alter war dynamics, analyst says
- US sends cutting-edge AIM-9X air-to-air missiles for Ukraine’s new F-16 fighters
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