The American fourth-generation F-16 fighter has successfully performed combat missions in the Middle East and the Balkans for decades. But in Russia, things could go differently, as the aircraft will face a modern air defense system and long-range air-to-air missiles in a potential conflict, Business Insider wrote, citing the US military.
The F-16 has modern electronic warfare capabilities. It is a maneuverable aircraft that can be equipped with container-type targeting systems to engage enemy positions.
Russia is not Iraq or the Balkans
The first combat sorties of the F-16 as part of the US Air Force began in the nineties. Then American pilots participated in Operation Desert Storm. Later, they participated in NATO bombings against Yugoslavia. The US has lost only 17 F-16s in combat. According to retired US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel John Baum, the potential confrontation with Russia cannot be compared with previous conflicts.
The F-16 against Russia will undoubtedly be the most difficult scenario our fighters will face head-on.
Business Insider cited modern Russian air defense systems, the S-300 and S-400, as among the threats that the F-16 could face. The American fighter will also have to compete with a powerful fleet of Su-35 and MiG aircraft armed with long-range R-37 missiles and equipped with powerful radars.
In addition, F-16s will be awaited by Russian long-range radar detection aircraft capable of detecting a target hundreds of kilometers away.
Former naval aviator Brinn Tannehill pointed out that SAMs from the Russian arsenal are much more advanced than the systems the F-16s have encountered before. The Russians are well trained and use modern technology, he summarized.
Earlier, InfoBRICS expert Drago Bosnic explained why the F-16 has no chance in a battle against the MiG-31.