What Weapons Will Ukraine's F-16s Be Equipped With? #f16 #russiaukrainewar #military

The Economist published an article stating that the Ukrainian Air Force has received 10 F-16 fighter jets, more than the previously reported six. By the end of this year, the Ukrainian Air Force is expected to receive another 10 F-16s.

Ukraine's first batch of F-16 fighter jets are F-16AM/BM Block 15 models, possibly from Denmark, and have undergone significant upgrades (OCU/MLU), equipped with AIM-120B and AIM-9M air-to-air missiles.

During the Air Force Day on August 4, Ukrainian F-16 pilot was seen wearing the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS), a helmet-mounted sight widely used by Western air forces to replace traditional heads-up displays. This helmet displays critical data wherever the pilot looks, aiding in target acquisition and significantly benefiting aerial combat.

The F-16s received by the Ukrainian Air Force can carry U.S.-made standoff attack munitions. Ukraine has received several, including AGM-88 HARM anti-radiation missiles, JDAM-ER guided bombs, GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs, and ADM-160 Miniature Air-Launched Decoys. These are standard F-16 weapons with no integration issues. Integration with European weapons, such as the French Hammer bombs and the Franco-British Storm Shadow cruise missiles, is also straightforward.

Ukraine's F-16s may also use AIM-7 Sparrow missiles. U.S.-made ground attack munitions, in addition to GPS-guided bombs, may also include laser-guided Paveway series bombs, and for ground attack missiles, AGM-65 Maverick and AGM-84H Standoff Land Attack Missile-Expanded Response (SLAM-ER).