Ukraine unveils advanced F-16 support systems: Why it matters
Photo: Unique complexes for F-16s have been created in Ukraine (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukrainian Air Force has received the first unique mobile complexes for servicing F-16 fighter jets. This will allow for the most effective use of aircraft during wartime, according to the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The mobile complexes were developed, purchased, and transferred to the Air Force by the Come Back Alive charitable foundation together with the Ministry of Defense and with the support of the state-owned company Ukrnafta.
As part of an initiative called Project 61, a unique mobile ecosystem was created that meets the real needs of the front lines.
The complexes significantly increase aviation mobility in wartime conditions, when Russian troops are hunting down aircraft and airfields. There are three key modules:
- Mission planning complex — a mobile base for pre-flight briefings for pilots and escorting aircraft in the near zone.
- Two aviation weapon preparation systems - speed up the inspection and preparation of ammunition and simplify its attachment to the aircraft.
"Previously, it took 10 to 12 people to attach a single piece of ammunition. Thanks to this complex, it can now be done by three people," says Serhii, a project representative.
Ukrainian Air Force adds that financial support for the project was provided by Ukrnafta, which contributed almost UAH 49.5 million (USD 1,2 million).
F-16s for Ukraine
The Netherlands, Denmark, and Belgium have become the leaders of an aviation coalition working to transfer F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.
In July 2024, the Netherlands officially completed the procedure for authorizing the export of 24 combat aircraft to Ukraine. In August, information appeared that the first F-16s had arrived in the Ukrainian Air Force, but details about the number of aircraft and the countries that transferred them were not disclosed.
That same month, Ukraine lost the first of the fighter jets it had received. This happened during the repulsion of a massive Russian attack on August 26. The crash killed experienced Ukrainian pilot Oleksii Mes, call sign Moonfish.
At the end of last year, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that a second batch of F-16s had arrived in Ukraine from Denmark.
At the beginning of the year, Zelenskyy announced new deliveries of F-16s after talks with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof.
