F-16 for Ukraine: condition and modernization of aircraft from Netherlands and Belgium

Defense Express answers questions regarding Ukraine's F-16s, their modernization status, combat capabilities, and remaining operational lifespan are of paramount importance.

Both the Netherlands and Denmark have officially committed to reinforcing Ukraine with F-16 fighters, a significant addition to Ukraine's air power. The intended contribution includes up to 42 F-16 units from the Netherlands and 19 fighters from Denmark out of their total fleet of 44.

However, the total number of aircraft that can be transferred isn't just a matter of political decision, but a consideration of the planes' condition. This is evident from Denmark's case, where only 30 out of their 44 fighters are flight-worthy due to their age.

The F-16s were produced in the late 1970s to the mid-1990s in the Netherlands and Belgium. The Netherlands had a fleet of 213 F-16s, which they reduced after the Cold War, resulting in the current 42 units. Denmark started receiving F-16s in 1980, with an initial order of 58 fighters and an additional 12 in the mid-1980s. Unlike the Netherlands, Denmark decommissioned their aircraft as their service life ended. Presently, the Netherlands has 42 F-16 units, and Denmark has 44, of which only 30 are operational.

All F-16s from both countries underwent modernization under the Mid-Life Update (MLU) program from the mid-1990s to the mid-2000s, which included radar upgrades, enhanced weaponry capabilities, updated computer systems, electronic warfare, and more. While these F-16s are not the latest F-16V Block 70/72 version, they remain versatile multi-functional fighters with a range of capabilities.

As for their operational lifespan, the F-16 has proven to be durable. In the USA, these fighters will remain in service until the 2050s. Ukraine can draw insights from Romania, which operates similar F-16s and plans to use them until the mid-2030s.

However, wartime conditions can significantly accelerate the wear and tear of aircraft, and this must be considered when estimating their final service life. Nonetheless, the issue of acquiring F-16 fighters for Ukraine has been resolved.