Additionally, F-16s are good 4th gen fighters, and can still launch standoff weapons with proper setup. Russia really only has 4th gen fighters anyways. Maintaining them is dependent on availability of parts and mechanical skill, which I cannot speak to, but hope it’s included somewhere in the aid packages. They are by no means discards. Speaking from my armchair milsim experience (Arma 3 lol) they are still quite advanced with a substantial weapons loadout capability. And I imagine US aircraft carriers still keep some fa/18s and f16s onboard.
Additionally, F-16s are good 4th gen fighters, and can still launch standoff weapons with proper setup. Russia really only has 4th gen fighters anyways. Maintaining them is dependent on availability of parts and mechanical skill, which I cannot speak to, but hope it’s included somewhere in the aid packages. They are by no means discards. Speaking from my armchair milsim experience (Arma 3 lol) they are still quite advanced with a substantial weapons loadout capability. And I imagine US aircraft carriers still keep some fa/18s and f16s onboard.
The f-16 ought to be able to go up against anything Russia can field presently.
Ukraine can
Buyit’s on f35s when it joins NATO