Ukraine deploys two-seater F-16 fighter jets.
Images of a two-seater F-16B fighter jet bearing Ukrainian Air Force insignia have recently surfaced, confirming Kyiv's multi-role training and combat capabilities as part of a new aid package.
Images of a two-seater F-16 fighter jet bearing Ukrainian Air Force insignia have recently circulated in international media. The appearance of this variant marks a new step in Kyiv's operation of Western fighter jets and has attracted particular attention from military observers.
According to military aviation expert Osveditel, specific images of the two-seat F-16 version in service with the Ukrainian Air Force have never been publicly released before. This suggests that Kyiv has begun deploying specialized aircraft not only for combat purposes but also for intensive field training missions.
Technical specifications and combat capabilities
The F-16 family has two main two-seat variants: the F-16B (the older version) and the F-16D (in production since 1984). Although primarily designed as training aircraft for pilot training, both variants retain the same combat capabilities as the single-seat version.
It is noteworthy that the F-16B/D models have not had their combat capabilities stripped down. They are fully capable of performing all the same missions as the single-seat multirole fighter version, from air patrol to effectively attacking ground targets.
The photo, shared by Ukrainian media, captures the moment an F-16B is in the process of landing. Having two pilots in the cockpit allows the Ukrainian military to conduct realistic training exercises in combat conditions or deploy complex missions requiring coordination between the pilot and the weapons control officer.
Equipped with a diverse range of weapons.
In terms of firepower, the F-16B is equipped with a modern weapons system for both air defense and attack missions. The aircraft is capable of carrying air-to-air missiles, precision-guided bombs, and, notably, specialized munitions to jam enemy radar, increasing its survivability in a heavily fortified combat environment.
Originating from European aid packages.
Kyiv received this batch of F-16 fighter jets from Danish and Dutch aid. Before the transfer, the United States approved the re-export of these two-seat training versions to Ukraine to provide maximum support for on-site pilot training and shorten the time needed to familiarize oneself with the new equipment.
Although actual images have confirmed the presence of this variant, the total number of F-16B fighters, as well as the specific ratio between the two-seat and single-seat versions in service with the Ukrainian Air Force, remains classified for military security reasons.
