Are F-16s capable of fighting Russian modern jets on equal terms? Aviation expert responds

F-16 fighter jets cannot engage in combat on equal terms with modern Russian aircraft.

This was stated by aviation expert Valeriy Romanenko on the air of "Kyiv 24."

"F-16s, in principle, cannot conduct air combat on equal terms with modern Russian aircraft. Unfortunately, their radars and the range of their missiles do not allow for this. The Russian radar can detect aircraft at 300 km. For example, the F-16 — much less," he said.

According to the expert, the F-16 is almost half the size of a Su-35.

"Moreover, Russian radars can see aircraft at 300 km, while the F-16’s range is 100–120 km at most," he added.

Romanenko also notes that the radar of the F-16 fighter is capable of detecting Russian aircraft at a distance of 120 km, while current aerial battles do not occur at close range.