F-16 and Mirage: How Ukraine is expanding aviation capabilities on the frontline

The Ukrainian military is preparing the F-16 fighters for use directly on the frontline. This will allow not only for the protection of airspace but also for striking ground targets.

Deputy director of a Ukrainian company producing EW systems and a former officer of the Ukrainian Air Force, Anatoliy Khrapchynskyi said this on the "24 Kanal".

According to him, Ukraine has already completed the first stage of combat coordination and can start using F-16s in direct combat operations.

"The F-16 aircraft has sufficient weaponry to strike ground targets. At the same time, it can protect itself or other aircraft carrying out similar operations with air-to-air cruise missiles," Khrapchynskyi said.

Before sending Western fighter jets to the front lines, Ukraine carried out several preparatory operations with them. Additionally, modern “Mirage” aircraft, which belong to the 4+ generation, have been integrated into the Ukrainian arsenal and are capable of working effectively on ground targets.

Khrapchynskyi also notes that, with the acquisition of modern air defense systems like Patriot and NASAMS, the Ukrainian military is already able to share its experience with Western partners. The same could happen with aviation.

“Our pilots will soon be able to train their Western counterparts to use their weaponry in complex conditions where there is a significant amount of enemy air defense,” the expert concluded.

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