The skies of Ukraine are protected by the multifunctional F-16 fighters of the Ukrainian Air Force, which are celebrating their 20th anniversary today, August 4. The official announcement was dedicated to this occasion.
In the video published by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a pair of these fighters is shown for the first time. They represent the most anticipated reinforcement for Ukrainian aviators to date.
Read more: Critical Weapons for F-16 Missing in U.S. List of Aid For Ukraine, and Other Pitfalls
Despite the video being filmed with caution to avoid revealing the aircraft's location—which may have been temporarily relocated to the airbase—it still features several details that immediately sparked additional interest. These include a unique pylon with sensors and the unusual color of one of the aircraft's lights.
One major surprise is the ECIPS/CJS container from Danish company Terma and Italian company Leonardo. This container integrates a powerful digital electronic warfare system that disrupts radar systems on aircraft and surface-to-air missile systems. It also includes a threat detection system that identifies incoming missiles, including by detecting the missiles themselves.
The container maintains the ability to mount weapons, meaning that the attachment points for armament remain intact, allowing weapons to be fitted under the ECIPS/CJS. The container itself is a new development and, as of 2021, was undergoing testing.
Such pylons were installed on Danish aircraft, and according to unconfirmed reports, also on Belgian, Dutch, and Norwegian F-16s. Thus, all the fighters that could potentially be equipped with these containers might have received them.
It is also worth noting that the video shows the fighters equipped with two types of air-to-air missiles: AIM-9 for close-range targets and AIM-120 for medium and long-range engagements.
The fighters also have two standard external fuel tanks of 370 gallons (1,564 liters) mounted under their wings.
Meanwhile, two F-16s, which were positioned during the award ceremony under the central pylon, had another type of external fuel tank—300 gallons (1,135 liters).
The unusual golden color of the cockpit light might also attract attention. The fact is that the coating indeed uses gold, which helps reduce the radar visibility of the F-16.
Read more: Not Just F-16: What Types of Aircraft USA Can Provide to Ukraine as Part of Bilateral Agreement
