Ukrainian F-16s received weapons to “hunt” for Shahed: photos emerge
Фото: Повітряні Сили ЗСУ
Ukrainian F-16s appear to have received new weapons that allow them to effectively and relatively cheaply shoot down Russian kamikaze drones, from Shahed to Gerber.
This is reported by Defence Express, noting that experts saw signs of such retrofitting in photos published online.
These are LAU-131 launchers for Hydra-70 missiles, which can work in conjunction with the APKWS II laser guidance kit. This type of ammunition has proven itself well in Ukraine when used from ground installations, in particular in the Vampire air defense system. Later, the US adapted the system for use from fighter jets, and now, it seems, it has also reached Ukrainian aircraft.
In the pictures, enthusiasts also noticed a suspended container, probably a Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (AN/AAQ-33) — equipment that provides laser targeting for high-precision target destruction. It was previously believed that it would be difficult to provide such systems for older modifications of the F-16, but, according to the publication, one of the partners did transfer the necessary container. Among the potential donors are the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Great Britain or Poland.
It is not yet known exactly when and in what quantity Ukraine received these containers and missile blocks. However, experts emphasize that such reinforcement significantly expands the possibilities for intercepting Russian drones and can become one of the most cost-effective ways to protect the sky.
As a reminder, new photos of the Ukrainian Flamingo cruise missile have appeared online . AP journalist and photojournalist Yefrem Lukatsky published footage showing another batch of ammunition that Fire Point transferred to the Ukrainian military.
As reported, Ukrainian F-16 fighter pilots are actively adapting the tactics of dispersed actions and are already demonstrating results in countering enemy drones and cruise missiles . According to pilots and analysts, it is on the battlefield in real conditions that our aviation is the first to practice techniques that the United States is only beginning to integrate into its practice.
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