Supersonic jets that can travel speeds up to 2,100 km per hour, known as F-16s, were recently provided in aid to Ukraine by Denmark and the Netherlands. The U.S. has signaled that they would support the transfer. F-16s are able to perform ground attacks, provide close air support, and be highly maneuverable in different temperatures and weathers. This October, The U.S. Department of Defense has also started a training program for Ukrainian fighter pilots in Arizona. However, it could take up to a year to fully integrate and train these pilots with the F-16s. Although F-16s are very useful, they are outdated in comparison to the Russian Su-35. Some who advocate for more aid argue that these planes are not enough for the Ukrainian forces, while others like President Volodymyr Zelensky believe it will be enough, and he even tweeted that “this will greatly enhance our army in the sky”. The drawbacks are significant in the outcome of many battles, but the advancements are almost equally as important.
These F-16s are much better than the aircrafts that the Ukrainians have been and will help replace all the jets that the Ukrainians have lost over the past years in the war. Ukraine has lost at least 32 aircrafts based on visual evidence, especially because the Russian aircrafts (Su-35S and Mig-31BM) are able to detect Ukrainian forces before those forces can detect a threat. Now, with the new F-16s, the Ukrainians are able to detect these Russian aircrafts and will also be equipped with AIM-120 and AMRAAMs, which are air-to-air missiles that are very similar to the Russian missiles (R-77). With the new jets, other countries have the ability to supply Ukraine with weapon systems. Overall the F-16s would change the face of the war, by providing greater protection for civilians and common people. However, there are significant drawbacks to these new planes, such as time, or lack thereof.,
The programs that countries like the US want to put in place will take a lot of time, maybe months, or even years. A lot of these pilots are also not fluent in English, which is essential in passing the course and being able to read the controls and manuals needed to fly an F-16. Furthermore, F-16s aren’t great at landing in rural areas, but in Ukraine most of the landing strips have already been blown up by the Russians. Ground crews are essential in making sure that these F-16s are used efficiently and correctly. The ground crews in Ukraine however, do not have the same knowledge of American crews, who have had extensive training on how to safely land these planes. Lastly, a global supply chain will be needed to get the F-16s to Ukraine as well as continuing to supply the parts needed to maintain them. This would require involvement from countries who are opposed to being compliant when working with European countries and the USA. Ultimately, F-16s, with all their capabilities, will either not be enough for the Ukrainians, or change the face of the war.
