(MENAFN) According to recent reports, the US has equipped the F-16 fighter jets destined for Ukraine with state-of-the-art electronic warfare (EW) systems that are allegedly superior to the capabilities of other NATO member states. According to Defense Express, a Ukrainian news channel, the advanced electronic warfare systems equipped on these F-16s were developed by the US Air Force’s 68th Electronic Warfare Squadron.
The F-16s, promised to Ukraine by a coalition of NATO countries including the US, France, the Netherlands, Denmark and several others, are part of a larger initiative to support Ukraine’s defense capabilities. This “F-16 coalition” was created to coordinate the delivery of the aircraft and the training of Ukrainian pilots.
Wednesday’s Defense Express article highlighted that the US has incorporated unique electronic warfare systems into the F-16 that are not available to other NATO countries. The report suggests that the Netherlands and Denmark, which also contribute to the supply of the F-16, do not have access to these advanced American systems. This discrepancy raises questions about the initiative and interest of European partners in acquiring similar capabilities.
On Monday, the Air Force Electronic Warfare Center in Florida confirmed it is working with Danish and Norwegian partners to improve the F-16 fighter jets delivered to Ukraine. The statement said the 68th Electronic Warfare Squadron reprogrammed the electronic warfare systems on these jets, implementing technology that is not even present in the U.S. Air Force’s own inventory.
This development underscores the inequality between the United States and other NATO member states in terms of access to electronic warfare technology and highlights the strategic advantage the United States gives Ukraine in the ongoing conflict.
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