Ukrainian Air Force representatives have acknowledged that the F-16s recently supplied by Western allies are not equipped to compete with Russian Su-35 fighters. Current F-16 variants in Ukrainian service are considered outdated, significantly limiting their performance in one-on-one engagements against advanced Russian aircraft. It has been emphasized that a comprehensive defensive approach is necessary, integrating F-16 operations with air defense and electronic warfare systems to enhance mission effectiveness. Furthermore, dependency on U.S. technical support poses challenges, especially in light of recent U.S. decisions to halt assistance for F-16 operations. As Ukraine explores alternatives, including transitioning to French Mirage and Rafale aircraft, analysts indicate that these models, like the F-16, also lag behind Russian capabilities. The overarching assessment reveals that current Western aircraft—including the F-16 and Mirage—struggle to match the technical superiority of Russian counterparts, particularly in combat environments, raising serious implications for Ukraine’s aerial strategy and security posture.
