Summary
Ukraine’s newly acquired F-16s, equipped with advanced missiles, glide bombs, and electronic warfare systems, are now actively engaging Russian forces along the front lines.
The jets, donated by European allies, surpass Ukraine’s older Soviet-era aircraft in capability, which offers improved air defense and offensive power.
A key addition is the AN/ALQ-131 jamming pod, which enhances survivability against Russian missile threats.
However, concerns remain about Ukraine’s reliance on U.S. support to maintain these systems, especially amid shifting U.S. foreign policy under Trump.
Honestly, this just showcases that other nations NEED to have some form of military self reliance. The US cannot be trusted to remain hard allies with wavering political stances and arguable Russia ties. As much as I hate larger military industrial complexes, other nations reliance on the US has aided in these companies growing ever larger and causing the current strain where countries are scrambling to establish their own products and supplies.
Good. Give them more.
I’d imagine there are still european countries that can service these things?
Those other European countries may not be able to re-export spare parts if the licenses get yanked.
Good point
I hope Sweden’s preparing those Gripens, just in case.
Keep in mind, the ALQ-131 is several generations behind. The F-16 also supports the ALQ-184, and even that is planned to be superseded by the ALQ-257.
And it still pwns Russian munitions with ease.
Out of curiosity, does it really work well, I mean, do we have real data?
Are they still not using some of the US tech they were given or have they said fuck you to the US restrictions? I hope they are using anything and everything they can.
