US Ends F-16 Support, Eroding Trust and Boosting European Defense
The Trump administration’s termination of support for Ukrainian F-16 jamming capabilities jeopardizes a critical air countermeasure against Russian advancements. While Ukrainian F-16s utilize AN/ALQ-131 pods for electronic jamming, the lack of US support leaves these systems vulnerable to Russian radar adaptations. However, France’s provision of Mirage 2000 fighters, equipped with their own jamming systems, offers a potential solution. These French systems, while older, are adaptable and offer a viable alternative in the interim, while longer-term solutions remain under consideration.