Retired U.S. General Gordon "Skip" Davis has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the F-16 fighter jets that NATO allies have sent to Ukraine.
Limited Compared to Russian Jets
In an interview with Business Insider, Davis emphasized that while these jets provide some enhancement to Ukraine's air capabilities, particularly compared to its aging Soviet-era fleet, they are primarily useful for defensive missions and face serious limitations against Russia’s more advanced military aircraft.
The F-16s delivered to Ukraine are older models, specifically the F-16A/B MLU variants from the 1990s, which have been upgraded to carry AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, according to WP.
These missiles have a maximum range of about 100 km (62 miles), a significant improvement for Ukraine but still limited when compared to the cutting-edge Russian jets they are up against.
Superior Radar Systems
Davis pointed out that Russian aircraft like the Su-35S, Su-30SM, and MiG-31 have superior radar systems and longer-range missiles, such as the R-37M, which can target enemy fighters up to 400 km (248 miles) away.
Davis also expressed concern over the limited number of F-16s provided to Ukraine so far, as well as the delays in delivery. So far, NATO allies have pledged 85 F-16s, but the delivery timeline is uncertain. This, combined with Russia's formidable air defense systems, makes it challenging for Ukraine to use the jets offensively.
Despite these challenges, Ukraine is exploring other options for modernizing its air force, including potential acquisitions of French Mirage jets and Swedish JAS-39 Gripens. These additional aircraft could help Ukraine bolster its defenses as the conflict with Russia continues.
