“F-16s in Ukraine. We’ve made it happen. I am proud of all our guys who are skillfully mastering these aircraft and have already begun using them for our country. I thank our team for this result,” wrote President Volodymyr Zelensky.
He expressed gratitude to all the partners who have effectively assisted with these fighters, as well as to the first countries that responded to the request for these aircraft—Denmark, the Netherlands, and the USA. Zelensky later emphasized that the number of F-16 aircraft and trained pilots is currently insufficient, and the state is awaiting additional fighters from partners, while Ukrainian pilots and engineers continue to train and practice. In June, it was reported that Denmark had prepared 50 specialists for the maintenance of F-16s, which were then being prepared for the arrival of the first aircraft in Ukraine.
The video published by the president does not specify the number of received aircraft but shows at least two fighters. Ukraine has received 6 American F-16 fighters from the Netherlands, as previously reported by The Times.
The Economist reports that Ukraine has received the first 10 out of 79 F-16 fighters, with 20 expected by the end of the year. The remaining fighters, promised as part of the F-16 coalition led by Denmark and the Netherlands, will be delivered in batches throughout 2025.
Former U.S. European Command Chief Ben Hodges expressed disappointment at the delay in delivering the aircraft to Ukraine. He cited a lack of training facilities for Ukrainian pilots and language difficulties as reasons for the delay.
“Ukraine has excellent, battle-hardened pilots. But the F-16, even these relatively older ones, is very different and more complex compared to their familiar Soviet-era MiG-29s and Su-27s,” said the former military officer.
Another reason for the delay, according to Hodges, is the time needed for Ukraine to build the infrastructure and accommodate the aircraft. The F-16 requires more maintenance than its Russian counterparts. Both onboard engineers and pilots need similar training. Some repairs and maintenance may also be carried out in neighboring NATO countries Poland and Romania, which could provoke Russia.
The F-16 fighters received by Ukraine are equipped with Terma PIDS+ pylons with an early warning missile attack system, writes Militarny. This conclusion is based on an analysis of videos released on Zelensky's Telegram channel.
The publication notes that fighters from all European Participating Air Forces (EPAF) member countries have been equipped with a system developed and produced by the Danish company Terma. It allows the aircraft to detect missiles in advance and counteract them. The MWS consists of six sensors and one computer. Three sensors are installed on each of the two pylons, providing nearly complete spherical coverage around the aircraft. The computer is located in the right pylon. The system transmits threat information to the Terma ALQ-213 located in the pilot’s cockpit. ALQ-213 selects the most effective sequence for dispensing flares from the Flare-Up module, which is installed in the PIDS+ pylon. The flares are dispensed at an angle to ensure they are fired diagonally and cannot hit a missile mounted at the end of the fighter’s wing.
Currently, the USA has agreed to provide Ukraine with its missiles to equip the F-16s, including AGM-88 HARM air-to-ground missiles, extended-range JDAM munitions that convert unguided bombs into “smart” weapons, compact precision-guided munitions GLSDB, medium-range AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, and AIM-9X short-range air-to-air missiles.
Currently, F-16s are being used by Ukraine solely for air defense.
Former Chief of Staff of the German Ministry of Defense, Nico Lange, emphasized that F-16 fighters are a priority target for the Russians. That’s why they have been deployed with a high degree of secrecy to dispersed bases with underground or secure shelters. However, this dispersion complicates logistics, requiring more personnel and spare parts.
Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, stated that with the arrival of F-16 fighters in Ukraine, "there will be more intercepted missiles and aircraft used by Russian criminals to attack Ukrainian cities."
