Overview

• Ukraine has received its first batch of F-16 fighter jets, with plans to expand the fleet to up to 130 aircraft.
• Initial missions for the F-16s will likely focus on air defense, targeting Russian drones and cruise missiles.
• The F-16s are equipped with advanced missiles such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9 Sidewinder.
• Training and integration challenges persist, with a limited number of qualified Ukrainian pilots.
• The F-16s offer improved capabilities over Soviet-era jets, but face formidable Russian air defenses.