Винищувач F-16 в Україні / Міноборони
With the new US administration in place, American weapons in Ukraine seem less reliable. However, the Americans will not be able to render the F-16s completely inoperable.
Source Defense Express analyzes the possibility of failure F-16 fighters in case of a ban and the possibility of their operation without official maintenance. At the beginning, the site immediately notes that indeed, the entire combat capability of the aircraft depends entirely on the United States.
The biggest problem in the event of such a blockade of the F-16 is where to get spare parts. Difficulties will also arise with the maintenance of engines, systems, and aircraft components. There is also the issue of ammunition — the aircraft needs American or compatible air- and ground-launched missiles.
The fastest way for America to disable the AN/ALQ-131 electronic warfare software update is to make the F-16 less secure. But there is no «magic button» that would allow the aircraft to be turned off remotely. Without official maintenance, the fighter will fly for quite some time. Complete sidestepping will only mean gradual degradation
«The closest example to current realities is Venezuela. In 2005, the United States imposed an embargo on this country, which at that time was upgrading its 24 F-16A/Bs, which were delivered in 1983 to 1985, under the MLU (Mid Life Upgraded) program. And since then, these aircraft have not officially had access to American spare parts. But the F-16s continue to fly in Venezuela, though not in such numbers, because the only way to maintain their airworthiness is through cannibalism and gray schemes for importing components,», — Defense Express says.
He also cites the example of Iran, where F-14 fighters purchased before the US embargo began in 1984 are still flying. By now, the Iranians have received 79 of the 80 aircraft ordered 10 years earlier. Since then, their number has was reduced due to the war and accidents, aging and cannibalization, and even hijackings. Iran currently has about 10 operational F-14s, but it is currently the only place in the world where they can be seen in the air.
It is also unknown whether re-exports will be possible in the event of a ban. If not, it is likely that an appeal to European partners who operate F-16s and once provided them to Ukraine. The publication concludes that under any circumstances, it is not a situation where American fighters will suddenly stop working. Given the actions of the Donald Trump administration, this problem is now being discussed in other countries. In Germany and Canada, the idea of canceling the purchase of American F-35s, whose operation is much more dependent on the United States, is being discussed.