Ukraine's first F-16 jets armed with cutting-edge missiles, defence systems

The initial fleet of Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets has been equipped with advanced air-to-air missiles.

The newly delivered fighters boast a combination of medium-range AIM-120 AMRAAM and short-range AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, enhancing their capabilities in aerial combat. Additionally, the jets are fitted with suspended fuel tanks, extending their operational range, Caliber.Az reports.

These aircraft will play a crucial role in countering drones and cruise missiles, bolstering Ukraine's defensive measures amid ongoing regional tensions. The F-16s are further enhanced with the Pylon Integrated Dispensing System Plus (PIDS+) and the Electronic Combat Integrated Pylon System Plus (ECIPS+).

These systems, which can be seen mounted on the aircraft, are equipped with jamming devices and additional heat traps, providing a significant boost to the jets' electronic warfare capabilities.