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F-16 fighters, which Ukraine will soon receive, are only a highly effective platform for various means of destroying air and ground targets. Aircraft can perform air defense missions as well as be a key means of supporting surface operations. A variety of missiles and bombs are capable of penetrating deep into the ground, destroying building structures, etc. In total, there are more than 180 types of ammunition for the F-16, some of which Ukraine already has. Let’s consider what the allies could still provide.
What missiles for F-16 Ukraine has already received
Storm Shadow
Storm Shadow and SCALP missiles were transferred by Britain and France – existing Su-27 aircraft were adapted for them. These are powerful surface-to-air missiles with a warhead of 450 kg and a range of up to 550 km. Judging by the results of the application, Ukraine has a version with a limited range.
AGM-88 HARM
The AGM-88 HARM high-speed anti-radar missile is also used on the Su-27. It is a relatively small but effective missile with a warhead of 66 kg. Its main purpose is the destruction of enemy radars, for which a passive homing radar head is used. The range of defeat is 150 km. A good bonus of these missiles is that there are many of them in the USA. stocks are estimated at more than 6,200 units.
“Smart” bombs JDAM-ER
Ukraine has been using JDAM-ER bombs with Su-29 aircraft since spring-summer 2023. These are ordinary aviation bombs of various power, equipped with a set of wings and a tail, which allows the bomb to maneuver. The bomb is guided by GPS and hits targets at a distance of up to 75 km. In July, the Armed Forces demonstrated the JDAM-ER in service, it was a Mark 82 munition with an 87 kg warhead.
AIM-120 AMRAAM is a classic
A common US-made air-to-air missile with a solid propellant engine. Adopted in 1991, they are used by many European countries. The sole manufacturer is Raytheon. This is a “native” missile for aircraft from F-15 to F-35.
The missile has at least eight modifications, which consist of four stages of modernization, a warhead of about 20 kg and a maximum flight range of 50 to 180 km. The latest models have a combined guidance system, two-way communication, GPS correction, reduced mass and volume of electronics and other parts, anti-jamming and capable of intercepting ballistic targets.
In fact, these missiles are already in service in Ukraine – it is with them that NASAMS air defense systems work. AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles with a high-explosive warhead capture a target in the air at a distance of 20 km, after which active homing is activated and an impression of a contact or radar detonator is made.
What missiles Ukraine still needs
Highly accurate and super powerful AGM-158 JASSM
A Lockheed Martin turbojet cruise missile designed for surface targets. JASSM engages stationary and quasi-stationary targets in all weather conditions. Low-visibility radar technology allows better avoidance of anti-aircraft missiles. The inertial control system is complemented by GPS correction with anti-interference and an infrared final guidance system.
This is a rather large munition: the JASSM penetrating action warhead weighs 450 kg, the missile itself is more than a ton. The missile is capable of causing deep damage to underground structures and buildings by penetrating the soil to a depth of up to 24 m and penetrating reinforced concrete floors up to 2.1 m. Depending on the modification, the damage range is 360 or 980 km.
A highly effective low-sensitivity explosive weighing over 100 kg activates a thermally reactive locking ring. At a temperature of about 150 degrees, the ring activates the blowing of the main charge through the holes, which leads to the accumulation of a charge under high pressure, resistant to dangerous external factors. The bomb is activated by a programmable detonator with a small charge. It is known that in August Ukraine appealed to the USA with a request to provide
Meteor air-jet missile
The British MBDA Meteor rocket is equipped with a direct-flow air-jet engine, which improves the flight characteristics of the rocket five times compared to a solid-fuel engine. The rocket is equipped with air intakes for oxygen intake. Their use in a fully or partially open state depends on the height of the air and the range to the target and is regulated by the built-in software. This gives the missile exceptional maneuverability and helps destroy evasive targets. Thrust control is a unique feature of the Meteor among other air-to-air missiles.
The presence of air intakes also has a downside – increased frontal air resistance. The more closed holes, the more the rocket loses speed, and the same maneuverability is lost. The Meteor has an active homing warhead, like most modern missiles.
The missile has a direct flight range of 100 km and a ballistic range, taking into account the use of an aircraft, up to 300 km.
MBDA Meteors are not directly intended for the F-16, but thanks to the MIL-STD-1760 bus, software updates and data adjustments, the aircraft are able to use these missiles. MIL-STD-1760 provides communication between aircraft and missile systems and is the most common interface in NATO countries.
The worst thing about Meteor missiles is that they are manufactured by at least five European countries: Great Britain, Germany, France, Spain, Sweden, with the involvement of dozens of others in the development. The United Kingdom, France and Germany have to authorize the transfer or sale.
In the current difficult period of the war, the Western Allies must recognize the limited effectiveness of the aid that has already been provided and consider the transfer of more powerful means that inflict greater damage at a greater distance.
Sources: Wikipedia, Defense Express, Military and others.
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