The F-16 fighters that Ukraine already has are capable of performing a wide range of combat missions. In particular, from protecting the skies of Ukraine to striking temporarily occupied lands or the territory of the Russian Federation.
This was stated by the deputy general director of the company for the production of electronic warfare equipment, an aviation expert Anatoly Khrapchinsky on the air of the national telethon United News.
F-16 in Ukraine
— There is a wide range of tasks to perform, from protecting airspace to striking enemy territories, the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine. In fact, the range of weapons that are additionally transferred with these aircraft will allow us to work powerfully. But we must understand that to perform a number of tasks, if we are talking about strikes on the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine and the Russian Federation, we need to involve other branches of the armed forces, — the expert explained.
According to him, this will be a comprehensive approach using ATACMS missiles, HIMARS and other weapons.
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— Those same Ukrainian reconnaissance UAVs that will help to guide, for example, air-guided bombs that were launched from the MiG-29. In principle, there are many tasks, and opportunities as well. The capabilities of these aircraft are very good, they will significantly help the Ukrainian Air Force, says Anatoly Khrapchinsky.
He noted that F-16 fighters are capable of shooting down Russian aircraft at a fairly safe distance.
— A fairly safe distance, taking into account the AIM-120 missiles that were transferred to us. This is 185+ km, — said the aviation expert.
However, Russian troops may try to counter with the Su-57 multirole fighter, although there are very few of these aircraft in service with the Russian Federation, explained Anatoly Khrapchinsky.
— I think I could try to counter with something — this is the Su-57. But the Russians are also very afraid to use them close to Ukrainian territory. They have very few Su-57s, about 6-10 aircraft. And they have already lost two, or even four. In addition, several aircraft thanks to the Ukrainian Defense Forces, — he emphasized.
On the Day of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky officially confirmed that F-16 fighters are already in Ukraine.
