F-16 challenge for Ukraine

Europe could supply U.S.-made F-16 combat aircraft to Ukraine and provide training for pilots and support crew. Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway could supply up to 73 F-16 fighters


Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon: Version available to Ukraine is F-16AM/BM Block 15 mid-life upgrade (MLU)

Big tail gives 30% more area, improves stability, permits faster take-off rotation and higher angles of attack

UHF antenna

MLU: Enables aircraft to carry latest AIM-9 and AIM-120 air-to-air missiles, as well as Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) and Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM)

New environmental control system

Revised gun nozzle 

New wide-angle head-up display

AIM-120 
JDAM


Pledges of F-16s	Netherlands 	Denmark	Norway
			Up to 42	19	12 	73


Pilots: Shortage of English-speaking pilots. Only eight Ukrainian pilots have started F-16 training in Denmark. 21 pilots have started English-language instruction in Britain

Ground crew: It takes 8-14 support personnel to maintain, fuel and support each F-16

Training of pilots and support crews for F-16s takes four months


Sources: Janes, Kiev Independent, New York Times
Picture: Getty Images 
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