In August 2024, Ukraine received its first batch of F-16 fighters. These aircraft are currently mainly used to provide air defense, which has not had a significant impact on combat operations at the front lines so far. According to aviation expert Konstantin Kryvolap, if the F-16 is used in sufficient numbers in specific areas of the front, it could enable special front-line operations. However, it is unlikely that this will become a routine practice this autumn or by the end of the year.
Fighter Equipment and Potential
As noted by expert and director of the Institute of Management and Strategies Bogdan Dolintsev, along with the fighters, Ukraine was provided not only “air-to-air” missiles for aerial combat, but also anti-radiation missiles and guided bombs. This means that the F-16 will eventually begin carrying out missions to destroy ground targets. Considering the availability of ammunition, there is no point in stockpiling them without use, including with the F-16. Dolintsev believes it is only a matter of time before the fighters are engaged in attacks on ground targets.
Factors Affecting the Effectiveness of F-16
The use of F-16 depends on the skill of Ukrainian pilots and the availability of safe zones for their operations. According to Dolintsev, one of the initial tasks may likely involve destroying enemy targets in Crimea. In recent months, Ukrainian forces have been regularly suppressing enemy air defenses in this region, which could be a prelude to future strikes.
Painful Loss
According to recent reports, Ukraine lost one of the received F-16 aircraft during combat operations. This became the first officially confirmed loss of an aircraft of this type. Pilot Oleksiy Mes died.
The incident underscored the complexity of using high-tech systems in real combat conditions and highlighted the need for additional training for Ukrainian pilots. According to various sources, the aircraft was shot down during a mission, and the cause of the incident is still under investigation. This loss has caused significant resonance, as the F-16 is considered an important element in strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
The main downside is that opponents of transferring this type of aircraft continuously argued that Ukraine would quickly lose this very expensive technology, making its provision senseless and irrational. Now they will have an ace up their sleeve in the next debates, which will be hard to argue against. The topic of insufficient training of Ukrainian pilots was also constantly exploited, claiming that it was happening too quickly. This argument also reinforced its position.
Prospects for further use of F-16
Despite the loss, Ukrainian military continue to prepare for a wider use of the F-16 on the front lines. Experts believe that the presence of these fighters in combat operations could fundamentally change the course of the war, particularly in key areas such as Crimea and Donbas.
