The F-16 is Getting Ready to Fight Russia - When General Dynamics began the development of what would become the F-16 Fighting Falcon in the 1970s, it was expected that the aircraft might have to take on the best the Soviet Union had to offer. Now, more than 50 years after the aircraft took its first flight, it could soon be engaging with the Kremlin's aircraft in the skies over Ukraine.

And by all accounts, this isn't welcome news to the Russians. According to recent reports, some Russian officials have been getting a "little nervous" following the first published photo of a Fighting Falcon marked with a Ukrainian seal.

The American-made fighter jet – which is now produced by aerospace giant Lockheed Martin following its acquisition of General Dynamics' aviation unit – has been long sought after by Kyiv, which is now set to receive several dozen of the aircraft from Western allies. Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway have pledged to provide F-16s from their respective fleets, while training programs are now underway in the United States, the UK, Romania,and Denmark.

"Of course, the F-16s, when delivered to Ukraine, will become a sweet target for the invaders," suggested Yuriy Ihnat, the spokesman for the Ukrainian Air Force.

"Therefore, we must do everything so that the infrastructure that is being prepared – and believe me, it is – gets properly adapted. Because making it proper is not too simple of a process, especially when we are under daily attacks. That is why infrastructure is being adapted, pilots are being trained. You saw the interview, our Phantom guy, and that interesting photo he made where the markings are visible. Some discuss whether they are real or not. Let's see what the Russians are saying – and we see them saying things – and let them be a little nervous," Ihnat added.

Putin Dismissed the F-16 Fighting Falcon

The Kremlin has downplayed the threat of the F-16, and Russian President Vladimir Putin has even dismissed claims that the F-16s will be able to flip the course of the war in Ukraine, as Moscow has recently appeared to gain the upper hand.

Putin suggested the F-16s would be as easily destroyed as the German-made Leopard 2 main battle tanks (MBTs). However, the Kremlin's losses of tanks and aircraft still greatly exceed that of Ukraine.

Moscow has also warned that if the F-16 Fighting Falcons take off from the territory of NATO member countries and are used in the Ukrainian conflict, the Kremlin could regard this as a conscious step toward escalation and "de facto direct participation in the armed confrontation."

The Phantom Menace

In an interview with Voice of America earlier this month, a pilot identified by the call sign "Phantom" said he was Kyiv's aviators have been largely impressed with the F-16.

"This plane simply exceeded their expectations. Even with the amount of information they have received during training, they already see great prospects and great potential for how this aircraft will help our Air Force to increase our combat aviation capabilities," explained Phantom.

Such high praise was likely welcomed by Lockheed Martin, but the aircraft already has a stellar reputation.

Since it first entered service in 1979, the Fighting Falcon has engaged in more than 400,000 combat sorties and has more than a combined 19 million flight hours. Moreover, the F-16 has been adapted to complete several missions, including air-to-air fighting, ground attack, and electronic warfare. As a combat fighter, it has proven to be highly maneuverable while its combat radius exceeds that of its potential threats.

To date, more than 4,600 aircraft have been built since production of the Fighting Falcon approved in 1976 – and while it is no longer being acquired by the U.S. Air Force, Lockheed Martin continues to build the F-16 for foreign customers around the world. It remains the world's most successful, combat-proven multi-role jet fighter ever produced.