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Ukrainian F-16 Fighter Jets Destroy Nearly 10 Russian Air Targets in Aerial Combat.
Ukrainian F-16 fighter pilots successfully neutralized nearly ten Russian air targets during a large-scale attack on the night of November 16-17, 2024. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commended this achievement, although he chose not to disclose the exact number of targets destroyed.
Illustration of an F-16 multi-role fighter aircraft. (Picture source: US DoD)
This attack, targeting key infrastructure across several Ukrainian regions, highlighted the ongoing resilience of Ukraine's air defense forces amidst concerted efforts by Russian forces to cripple the country's energy sector.
In a statement published on his official social media accounts, President Zelenskyy emphasized the challenges posed by this latest offensive and the broader implications of the ongoing conflict. He reminded that Ukrainian forces continue to defend themselves against "absolute evil," underscoring the need for unity among global allies to counter such aggression.
During this attack, Russian forces deployed a significant arsenal, including nearly 140 missiles, more than 900 guided aerial bombs, and over 600 attack drones. Ukrainian air defense systems, including the newly operational F-16 fighter jets, played a crucial role in mitigating the damage. According to the President, Ukrainian forces successfully intercepted and destroyed 144 missiles and drones during this combined strike.
The targets of this offensive included critical infrastructure in the Rivne, Lviv, Dnipropetrovsk, Volyn, and Odesa regions, as Russian forces sought to cause massive disruptions through blackouts and damage to essential facilities. Despite these attacks, efforts to restore services and repair damages are ongoing.
The integration of F-16 fighter jets into Ukraine's air defense network marks a significant advancement in the country's military capabilities. These modern combat aircraft, renowned for their precision and versatility, play a crucial role in countering evolving aerial threats, particularly Russia's extensive use of drones and guided munitions.
This latest escalation once again underscores the necessity of maintaining international support for Ukraine's defense efforts. The success of Ukrainian forces in intercepting a significant portion of this attack demonstrates their growing proficiency in utilizing modern weaponry, including the highly anticipated F-16s.
The F-16, nicknamed the Fighting Falcon, is a multi-role aircraft designed to perform a wide range of aerial missions. Developed by General Dynamics (now part of Lockheed Martin), this aircraft represents a major evolution in modern fighter design, combining agility, power, and versatility. Its first flight took place on February 2, 1974, and it entered service on August 17, 1978. Since then, it has remained a cornerstone of many air forces, with over 4,500 units produced worldwide.
The F-16 is powered by a Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 turbofan engine with afterburner, delivering an impressive thrust of 79 kN at dry power and up to 130 kN with an afterburner. This engine allows the aircraft to reach a maximum speed of Mach 2.04 (2,173 km/h) and an operational ceiling of 15,200 meters while offering a climb rate of 15,240 meters per minute. Its lightweight but robust design enables it to maintain a high thrust-to-weight ratio (0.90), ensuring optimal performance in aerial combat.
Its compact dimensions, with a length of 14.8 meters and a wingspan of 9.8 meters, facilitate deployment on a variety of air bases. The aircraft can carry up to 12 tons of weaponry and has a combat radius of 550 kilometers, making it well-suited for close tactical missions. It can also perform extended flights using external fuel tanks or aerial refueling.
The F-16 excels in both ground attack and air defense roles due to its diverse arsenal. Internally, it is equipped with a 20mm M61A1 Vulcan cannon for close engagements and can carry a wide range of external weapons, from air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-7 Sparrow, AIM-120 AMRAAM, and Sidewinder, to air-to-ground missiles like the Maverick and HARM. It can also be configured for precision strikes with laser-guided bombs or JDAMs, making it a formidable weapon against both ground and aerial targets.
Its avionics are state-of-the-art, integrating fly-by-wire controls, a head-up display (HUD), and a HOTAS (Hands-On Throttle and Stick) system, allowing the pilot to operate all systems without distraction. The aircraft's radar systems, from the AN/APG-66 to the AN/APG-68 and the latest AN/APG-83 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, enhance its precision for target detection and tracking. The system also includes FLIR thermal sensors, an ALR-56M radar warning receiver, Link 16 data link, and an AN/ALQ-131 electronic warfare pod, boosting its ability to operate in contested environments.
With an initial cost relatively affordable (approximately $20 million for the F-16A version), the Fighting Falcon has been adopted by numerous countries worldwide. Its reliability, combined with its ability to adapt to evolving technologies, makes it a preferred choice for air forces seeking a high-performance multirole fighter. Over forty years after its introduction, the F-16 continues to prove its effectiveness on the battlefield, whether in air superiority missions, interdiction, or close air support.
As the conflict continues, Ukraine's ability to protect its infrastructure and civilian population remains critical. International support, particularly through the provision of advanced defense systems, will be essential in ensuring Ukraine's continued resilience against such threats.