Russia has launched massive airstrikes on Ukraine, deploying a wide array of weaponry. Among the most dangerous were cruise missiles, targeted by Ukraine's newly acquired F-16 fighter jets.
Countering Russian Threat
These aircraft, recently delivered to Ukraine, played a crucial role in countering the Russian threat, according to Tech.
Russia’s attacks on Kyiv and other regions involved hundreds of projectiles, including Iskander-M ballistic missiles, Kh-101 cruise missiles launched from Tu-95MS bombers, and Kalibr missiles fired from sea-based vessels.
Additionally, a significant number of Shahed drones were used to complicate Ukraine’s air defense systems. Interestingly, one of these drones even strayed into Polish airspace.
Strenghten Ukraines Defense
The most significant threat came from the cruise missiles, which boast advanced guidance systems and destructive warheads. For example, the standard Kh-101 missile carries a 400-kilogram warhead, but Russia has recently introduced an enhanced version with a cluster warhead.
These missiles fly at low altitudes, often using terrain features like valleys and rivers to evade radar detection, making them difficult to track and intercept by ground-based air defense systems.
Ukraine’s current fleet of MiG-29 and Su-27 jets, while still operational, are less effective at combating cruise missiles compared to the more advanced F-16s. The F-16’s superior radar capabilities allow it to detect low-flying, stealthy targets more efficiently.
Additionally, the F-16s are equipped with targeting pods that enhance their ability to lock onto difficult targets.
Once detected, these missiles or drones can be destroyed using AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles or the aircraft's onboard 20mm M61A Vulcan cannon. With the arrival of the F-16s, Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russia’s missile barrage has been significantly strengthened.
