MANIPULATION: Ukraine was given defective F-16 aircraft — Interia

Russian Telegram channels are spreading information based on an article from the Polish media outlet “Interia”, claiming that Ukraine received technically defective F-16 aircraft. According to them, these planes were not serviced before delivery and will not be able to fly.

This is manipulation. The article does mention the possible arrival of non-operational F-16 ADF aircraft in Ukraine. However, it also states that these planes will be used as decoys, parts donors, or for training Ukrainian aircraft technicians. 

On August 5, 2024, the Polish media outlet “Interia” published an article titled “Not all Ukrainian F-16s can fly. This is the kind of equipment our neighbors received” (“Nie wszystkie ukraińskie F-16 mogą latać. Taki sprzęt dostali nasi sąsiedzi”). The author of the article claims that during the presentation of the planes on August 4, F-16 ADFs were shown behind President Volodymyr Zelenskyi. These aircraft were developed in the late 1980s as upgraded versions of the F-16A/B Block 15 and were adapted for the needs of the U.S. National Guard. These planes were meant to protect U.S. territory from bombers and cruise missiles.

The author believes these planes were neither repaired nor restored. According to him, they will serve as “decoys”, parts donors, or “training aids” for Ukrainian aircraft technicians.

A similar opinion is expressed by the Ukrainian military portal Defense Express. The authors point out the sharp antennas located in front of the pilot’s cockpit, characteristic of the F-16 ADF modification. 

Defense Express notes that displaying these planes during celebrations posed no threat to real fighters. Moreover, using old F-16 fuselages as decoy targets is an effective solution, as they are almost indistinguishable from operational models unless viewed up close. The authors also add that it is likely that modern inflatable decoys of these aircraft will be used alongside such decoy targets.

At the same time, the video showing Western aircraft displays operational equipment capable of performing combat missions. Based on published photos, analysts have identified that Ukraine received F-16A Block 20 MLU, which previously belonged to Denmark. These planes were built in 1982 and underwent modernization in 1990, receiving a new AN/APG-66(V)2A radar, which can detect targets at distances over 110 km. Additionally, AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles were observed on them.

The exact number of planes Ukraine has received remains unknown. According to Bloomberg, this number is small. The Times reports that Ukraine received 6 aircraft from the Netherlands, while The Economist mentions 10 planes out of a possible 79, though they both rely on anonymous sources. Officials have not commented on this information.

Oryx, a resource that tracks military losses and aid through open-source data, suggests that Ukraine will receive slightly more than 95 F-16s, though this number includes training planes and those that will be used to repair others.

On July 10, 2024, during a speech at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, Volodymyr Zelenskyi stated that Ukraine needs 128 planes. According to The Economist, Ukraine is expected to have 20 aircraft by the end of 2024, with the remaining promised planes arriving in 2025. Belgium has announced that its fighter jets will be delivered by 2028.