Lockheed Martin offers Ukraine its own version of F-16
Photo: An F-16 jet (Getty Images)
The American company Lockheed Martin is promoting the idea of a special version of the F-16 tailored to Ukraine's needs—with greater range, a new AESA radar, and enhanced air defense capabilities. There have been no concrete negotiations regarding such an aircraft yet, and any program would require Washington's approval, according to Defence Blog.
What Lockheed Martin proposes
According to the agency's sources within the company, the idea emerged a few days after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with a Lockheed Martin team in Kyiv on October 19. At that time, they discussed support for the F-16 and pilot training, the Office of the President of Ukraine reported.
One of the options under consideration is a new variant of the F-16 with extended range and an AESA radar. According to sources, this would allow pilots to detect low-flying drones and cruise missiles earlier and more quickly than the radars on current Ukrainian aircraft.
The company is also considering deeper integration of European weaponry, particularly guided bombs and cruise missiles. This would expand the range of weapons available compared to the set of Western munitions currently used by Ukrainian F-16s.
Sources emphasize that there are currently no specific negotiations regarding a new version. At the same time, the Ukrainian side has expressed interest in an affordable, versatile fighter jet that pilots have already mastered in combat. Lockheed Martin is counting on numerous joint projects with Ukraine.
After the meeting, Zelenskyy stated that Kyiv wanted the F-16 program to continue.
As noted by Defence Blog, the F-16s that Ukraine received from European NATO countries are older variants, modernized under the Mid-Life Update program. They still have a mechanically scanned radar.
The newer F-16 Block 70s are equipped with an AESA radar, which, according to the agency, can track more targets at greater ranges and is better at detecting small, low-flying objects against the backdrop of the ground. It is precisely these types of targets that pose the greatest threat during Russia's massive nighttime attacks.
The October 19 meeting also addressed the maintenance and repair of F-16s in Ukraine, as well as increased deliveries of anti-ballistic interceptor missiles for the Patriot system, manufactured by Lockheed Martin. Kyiv hopes to acquire some of these missiles. According to Defence Blog, a specialized Ukrainian version of the F-16 would fit into broader fighter jet plans, including 16 Gripen E aircraft from Sweden, ordered in June, with deliveries beginning in 2029.
Sources do not specify how much the specialized Ukrainian variant would cost, how many aircraft the program might cover, or exactly which European munitions the company would integrate first.
Ukrainian F-16 pilots have already shot down over 3,150 aerial targets, including 666 cruise missiles and about 2,500 drones. This was stated by Air Force Commander Anatolii Kryvonozhko after a meeting with representatives of Lockheed Martin, during which the parties also discussed the transition to new variants, specifically the F-16 Block 70/72.
At the time, the commander noted that Ukrainian F-16s were operating with limited ammunition, while RBC-Ukraine reported that due to a shortage of weapons, pilots are forced to conserve missiles and, in some cases, shoot down targets with onboard cannons.
