America declares equipment of F-16 projectiles to Ukraine

(MENAFN) The United States has announced it will provide Ukraine with advanced missiles for its incoming fleet of F-16 fighter jets, according to a recent report by the Wall Street Journal. This decision comes as Ukraine's air force faces a shortage of operational aircraft and highlights a significant step in bolstering its defense capabilities amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia.

For months, Ukraine has been advocating for the delivery of F-16s to replace its aging fleet of Soviet-era aircraft. Despite receiving support from NATO allies such as Poland and Slovakia, the integration of these modern American jets posed a challenge due to compatibility issues with the existing missile systems. The recent announcement addresses this issue, with the United States committing to supply a range of American-made missiles and guidance kits.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Ukraine will receive several types of missiles, including the AGM-88E HARM (High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile), AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile), and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. These are currently in use by the United States military and represent a significant upgrade from the missiles previously used by Ukraine's air force.

The AGM-88E HARM is designed to target and destroy enemy radar and electronic warfare systems. It has a range of up to 148 kilometers and is known for its effectiveness in disrupting enemy air defenses. However, it remains unclear if the US will supply Ukraine with specialized HTS (HARM Targeting System) pods to enhance the missile's targeting capabilities on the F-16s.

The AIM-120 AMRAAM is a radar-guided missile with a range of up to 180 kilometers, designed for engaging aerial targets beyond visual range. The AIM-9 Sidewinder, on the other hand, is a short-range missile suited for close combat scenarios, with an effective range of up to 35 kilometers.

Additionally, the United States will provide the GBU-39B Small Diameter Bomb, a precision-guided munition that has been used by Ukraine in the past. Special pylons have been developed to adapt these bombs for use with Ukrainian MiG-29 fighters, demonstrating Ukraine's ongoing efforts to integrate modern weaponry into its existing arsenal.

This new supply of missiles is expected to significantly enhance Ukraine's air combat capabilities, providing it with a technological edge in the conflict. As Ukraine continues to seek advanced military support from Western allies, the delivery of these missiles marks a critical development in the ongoing struggle to counter Russian aggression.

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