F-16 supports Ukrainian air defense! Lockheed Martin plans to launch exclusive version to enhance range, radar and anti-drone capabilities

The picture shows an F-16 fighter jet delivered to Ukraine by the Netherlands. This type of aircraft has become the main force of Uzbek air defense. (European News Agency)

[Reporter Tu Jumin/Comprehensive Report] Since receiving the F-16 fighter jets in 2024, the Ukrainian Air Force has used them for multiple tasks such as intercepting Russian drones and cruise missiles. The U.S. military industry giant Lockheed. Martin also intends to launch a "Ukraine-exclusive version" of F-16 fighter jets. The foreign military website "Defence Blog" reported that Lockheed Martin is evaluating building F-16 fighter jets for Ukraine with a longer range and equipped with a new active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, and to strengthen the integration of European-made weapons. However, it is still in the conceptual stage and formal negotiations have not yet begun.

Reports pointed out that Ukrainian President Zelensky met with the Lockheed Martin team in Kiev on the 19th to discuss F-16 logistics maintenance and pilot training and other issues. Sources within Lockheed Martin revealed that Ukraine is very interested in the F-16, which is reasonably priced, has a wide range of uses, and whose pilots are already familiar with its operation. Therefore, the company is evaluating extending the range, enhancing radar performance, and integrating European-made precision-guided bombs and cruise missiles to give the Ukrainian army more diverse strike options.

It is worth noting that most of the F-16s currently received by Ukraine are old fighters provided by European countries and have undergone mid-term performance improvement (MLU). They still use mechanical scanning radars. In comparison, the new F-16 Block 70 is equipped with AESA radar, which can track more targets at longer distances and effectively identify low-flying drones and cruise missiles. This is particularly important for Ukraine, which often suffers from Russian night air attacks.

Zelensky said that the F-16 fighter jets have continued to play a role since the first day they were put into the battlefield. Especially in the face of the Russian army's large-scale "Witness" (Shahed) drone attack, the interception results were quite good, and he hopes that the relevant plans will continue. Reports pointed out that a Ukrainian F-16 wing has shot down more than 1,000 drones and cruise missiles.

In addition, Ukraine also hopes to establish domestic F-16 maintenance capabilities and obtain more Patriot air defense system interceptors. However, Lockheed Martin has not announced the possible quantity, price and specific specifications of the exclusive version of F-16. The relevant plan must be approved by the US government before it can be further promoted.