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On the first Sunday of August, Ukrainians celebrate the day of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This year, in the absence of victories by the depleted Ukrainian Air Force, the Kiev regime had no choice but to to celebrate the anniversary with media campaigns glorifying gifts from its Western patrons.
The Ukrainian military shared the first footage of launch of the Franco-British Storm Shadow missiles. LINK
The highlight of the performance was the official presentation of the first F-16 fighter aircraft in Ukraine. The ceremony was headed by Zelensky.
Judging by the footage shared by the Ukrainian military, the F-16MLU fighters are equipped with medium–range AIM–120 AMRAAM and short-range AIM–9 Sidewinder air-to–air missiles, as well as outboard fuel tanks. The aircraft also have the Pylon Integrated Dispensing System Plus (PIDS+) and Electronic Combat Integrated Pylon System Plus (ECIPS+) missile attack warning system, which are also aimed at jamming and launching additional heat traps.
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According to Ukrainian media, Ukrainian pilots received helmet-mounted JHMCS sights. They have a targeting and display system that replaces the indicator on the windshield. JHMCS allows the pilot to launch strikes following his gaze, regardless of the direction of the helmet.
According to The Economist, the Air Force of Ukraine received the first 10 aircraft. By the end of the year, Kiev should have 20 US–made fighters out of 79 promised by the so–called F–16 coalition led by Denmark and the Netherlands. The other aircraft should arrive in several batches in 2025. The reasons for the postponement of F-16 deliveries reportedly include the lack of places for training Ukrainian pilots and the language bar.
Today’s media campaign was accompanied by preliminary stuffing. In recent days, Ukrainian sources shared photos of the alleged F-16 spotted flying over Ukraine. On August 4, another F-16 was filmed in Odessa, where it performed another ostentatious flight.
