Summary Ukrainian F-16 jets have advanced countermeasure pods for self-protection against Russian SAMs. Equipped with self-defense systems, older missiles, and advanced detection sensors for enhanced effectiveness. Upgrades provide them with new mission computer, radar upgrades, and capabilities to target Russian ground assets.
With the first of the much-anticipated F-16s finally in Ukraine , it is now coming to light what they are to be armed with. It appears that Ukraine's F-16s have been delivered with advanced countermeasure pods for self-protection and missiles for air defense. Countermeasures will be important for the jets as they will now be some of Russia's highest-priority targets in Ukraine (although one of the greatest threats will come from being hit on the ground).
F-16s configured for air defense and self-defense According to The War Zone , the Ukrainian F-16s have been strictly configured for air defense, " but they are also equipped with a unique self-protection system that can go a long way to keeping Russian SAMs and air-to-air missiles at bay ." They were seen armed with older AIM-9M/L Sidewinder and AIM-120B AMRAAM missiles. The F-16s are equipped with the self-defense Pylon Integrated Dispensing System Plus, and this likely also includes the advanced Electronic Combat Integrated Pylon System Plus.
They have also been seen with Chaff/Flare dispenser buckets and they may also have variants of the AN/AAR-60 Detection Sensors with AN/ALQ-62v6 radio countermea.