F-16 outclasses MiG-29 RAC in agility

NATO published new footage of ongoing training for Ukrainian pilots in Denmark. The video, filmed at Skridstrup Air Base of the Royal Danish Air Force [RDAF], provides insight into the daily training routines of the Ukrainian aviators, revealing some intricate details.

“Certainly, the F-16 is more agile than the MiG-29 RAC,” commented the interviewed pilot, code-named ‘Moonfish’. This comparison arises from ‘Moonfish’s’ previous experience flying a similar Soviet fighter over Ukraine. The aviator further described the F-16 as “a super enjoyable aircraft to operate”, Bulgarian Military reports.

According to ‘Moonfish’, a significant portion of the training takes place mid-air, complemented by mission task executions. The NATO-shared video features a two-seater F-16D fighter, a model reportedly from 1988, according to sources.

This is not the first TV interview with this Ukrainian pilot, known as ‘Moonfish’. According to BulgarianMilitary.com, he was among the first Ukrainian military personnel sent to train on American-made fighters. Back in October 2023, ‘Moonfish’ shared his initial impressions of the F-16.

Ukrainian experts speculate that it won’t be long before we see Ukrainian pilots embarking on their initial flights in F-16 jets, a fact confirmed by the Ukrainian Armed Forces themselves. These courageous pilots are currently refining their functional and operational skills using top-notch flight simulators. These simulators are meticulously designed to emulate the intricacies of the F-16 cockpit with stunning authenticity.

One Ukrainian aviator offered some insights when asked about his viewpoint of the F-16, particularly compared to his preceding experiences with the antiquated Soviet-era MiG. He expressed his surprise regarding the F-16’s multifunctional displays and the simplicity of interfacing with the onboard computer system.

In terms of comfort, the aviator, fondly named ‘Moonfish’, acknowledged the brilliance of the F-16’s design. Although he mentioned that the cockpit felt somewhat cramped, he admired the strategic thought that had gone into the overall ergonomic detailing.

Moonfish was fascinated with the F-16 jet’s joystick, stating that it sparked his curiosity, unlike anything on the MiG-29. He confessed that shifting from the MiG’s outdated data processing to the advanced onboard computer system of the F-16 was a substantial stride. This transition also underscored some disparities between sight control and armament interaction, but this didn’t dampen Moonfish’s confidence as he continues to master the F-16.

Four countries have pledged their aging F-16s to the Ukrainian Air Force so far. These include Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands. Different sources cite varying figures, but the most commonly mentioned quantity of F-16s that Ukraine will receive is 61 units. It has been frequently reported that the arrival of the first F-16s in Ukraine will likely begin in mid-2024.

However, as the officials from Great Britain and Denmark suggest, the delivery timeline isn’t solely dependent on the suppliers. It rides on the pace at which Ukrainian officers train – the faster they upskill, the sooner F-16s will be delivered to their homeland.

Earlier this year at the end of April, the Ambassador of Denmark to Ukraine, Ole Egberg Mikkelsen, reaffirmed that Denmark plans to transfer all its remaining F-16 fighters to Ukraine, following the nation’s transition to using F-35s. The Ukrainian Air Force is set to receive Denmark’s complete fleet of F-16s, excluding those sold to Argentina. This leaves a total of 44 F-16 AM and F-16BM fighters in Denmark’s possession until 2023, of which 24 were sold in April 2024 to Argentina. Consequently, Denmark is expected to transfer a total of 19 F-16 fighters to Ukraine in several batches, the timeline for which remains unspecified.

Despite Ukraine considering the exchange of F-16s as a ‘done deal,’ there are still questions lingering over the potential provision of the indigenous SAAB Gripen from Sweden to Ukraine. In late February this year, Swedish sources suggested that the opposition in Sweden was increasingly pushing for the swift commencement of discussions with Ukraine about the “immediate delivery” of Gripen aircraft.

However, these declarations have yet to be formally confirmed by the Swedish government. Official reports from Stockholm have only acknowledged Ukraine’s expression of interest in the Gripen. As of now, Sweden has refrained from providing a clear response on whether it is prepared to supply the Ukrainian Air Force with Gripens or not.