Confirmed: Ukraine’s F-16s are conducting ELINT missions targeting Russia

In a recent 12-minute interview, a Ukrainian F-16 pilot disclosed that F-16 fighter jets, provided by Western nations, are actively participating in electronic intelligence (ELINT) missions over Ukraine. The pilot, whose name was withheld for security reasons, also indicated that these aircraft are engaged in combat operations and are offering escort support to other Ukrainian aircraft amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.

The interview, shared on X by the account @Osinttechnical, provides a rare insight into how Ukraine is leveraging these advanced jets, which were supplied by NATO countries to enhance its air force capabilities.

This development represents a crucial advancement in Ukraine’s strategy to counter Russian aerial and electronic superiority, prompting discussions about the adaptability of the F-16 platform and its significance in a conflict that has now entered its third year.

The pilot’s remarks come at a time when Ukraine is increasingly dependent on Western military assistance to maintain its defense against Russian aggression. The F-16, a multirole fighter developed by Lockheed Martin, has been a long-desired asset for Kyiv, which faces a powerful opponent equipped with advanced air defense systems and electronic warfare technologies.

According to the pilot, the jets are not only involved in direct combat but are also collecting vital electronic intelligence, which entails intercepting and analyzing signals from enemy radar, communications, and other electronic systems. This dual function highlights the evolving nature of Ukraine’s air strategy as it aims to optimize the use of its limited resources.

ELINT, or electronic intelligence, involves gathering data on electronic emissions, typically from radar or communication systems, to assess an adversary’s capabilities and intentions. In the context of Ukraine’s F-16 operations, this suggests that the jets are likely being utilized to detect and identify Russian air defense systems, such as the S-400, which pose a significant threat to Ukrainian aircraft.

By analyzing the frequencies, locations, and operational behaviors of these systems, Ukrainian forces can enhance their mission planning, evade detection, or effectively target these defenses for neutralization. The pilot’s reference to ELINT missions indicates that the F-16s are likely outfitted with specialized sensors or pods designed to capture and analyze these signals, thereby improving situational awareness on the battlefield.

Although the F-16 is celebrated for its adaptability as a fighter jet, it is not primarily intended for ELINT operations. Typically, missions of this nature are assigned to aircraft such as the U.S. Air Force’s RC-135 or the Navy’s EP-3, which are equipped with dedicated electronic surveillance systems.

For Ukraine’s F-16s to engage in ELINT activities, they would need supplementary equipment, probably in the form of external pods attached beneath the wings. One potential system is the AN/ALQ-131, an electronic countermeasures pod that can be modified for signal collection, as highlighted in a recent report on X.

While this pod is mainly utilized for jamming enemy radar, it could be adapted to perform limited ELINT functions, although it does not possess the extensive capabilities of specialized reconnaissance aircraft. Other possible systems might include advanced targeting pods with signal intelligence capabilities, though specific information regarding the configurations of Ukraine’s F-16s remains confidential.

The task of executing ELINT missions with F-16s is further complicated by the presence of Russia’s sophisticated air defense systems. Platforms like the S-400 and S-300 are capable of detecting aircraft from considerable distances and engaging them with precision-guided missiles, compelling Ukrainian pilots to navigate a high-risk operational environment.

The pilot did not provide details on how the F-16s manage to bypass these defenses, but experts propose that a mix of low-altitude maneuvers, electronic countermeasures, and real-time intelligence collaboration with Western allies may be involved.

The jets’ capability to escort other Ukrainian aircraft, such as Su-27s or MiG-29s, further suggests a coordinated strategy, where the F-16s offer both protection and reconnaissance assistance to these less advanced platforms.

Incorporating ELINT capabilities into Ukraine’s F-16 fleet underscores the resourcefulness needed in a conflict where assets are limited. Unlike NATO air forces, which can depend on a wide range of specialized aircraft, Ukraine must optimize its smaller fleet to perform various functions.

However, this adaptation comes with compromises. Fitting an F-16 with an ELINT pod may diminish its ability to carry weapons or additional fuel, which could restrict its operational range or combat capabilities.

Additionally, the jet’s relatively compact size and single-engine configuration make it less ideal for extended reconnaissance missions compared to larger, dedicated aircraft. Nevertheless, the pilot’s remarks indicate that Ukraine has managed to utilize the F-16’s versatility to address its pressing requirements.

The process of delivering F-16s to Ukraine has been gradual, with several Western nations stepping forward to bolster Kyiv’s air force. The Netherlands and Denmark were among the first to commit their aircraft, with the Dutch agreeing to provide 24 F-16s and the Danes offering 19, as stated by their respective governments last year.

Norway has joined the initiative by agreeing to supply six aircraft, while Belgium has committed to delivering an undisclosed number by the end of this year, as reported by CNN in February. Although France is not providing F-16s, it has contributed Mirage 2000-5 jets, with the first set arriving earlier this year, as confirmed by French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu.

In total, Ukraine has either received or been promised approximately 60 F-16s, although not all of them are currently operational, with further deliveries anticipated in the coming months.

Training has been a vital aspect of this initiative, with Ukrainian pilots participating in rigorous programs in the United Kingdom, France, and the United States. Newsweek reported last month that NATO facilities, including one in England’s Midlands, have been instructing Ukrainian personnel on F-16 operations, encompassing everything from fundamental flight techniques to advanced combat strategies.

The pilot interviewed likely gained from this training, which has allowed Ukraine to utilize the jets effectively despite the steep learning curve. However, the precise number of F-16s in active service remains uncertain, with some reports indicating losses—Flight Global noted that two jets were destroyed earlier this year—while others suggest that the fleet is still expanding.

The deployment of F-16s for electronic intelligence (ELINT) and combat missions illustrates the evolving dynamics of the conflict, where technology and adaptability are crucial. Russia’s air defenses have compelled Ukraine to reassess conventional air operations, leading to a significant reliance on drones and electronic warfare to mitigate its numerical and firepower disadvantages.

The F-16s, even in small numbers, offer a significant advantage, enabling Ukraine to challenge airspace that was once under the control of Russian forces. The pilot’s mention of escort missions suggests a transition towards integrated operations, where these jets safeguard older Soviet-era aircraft still operational in Ukraine, thereby improving their chances of survival against Russian interceptors like the Su-35.

Experts have pointed out that although the F-16’s role in electronic intelligence (ELINT) is atypical, it fits well with Ukraine’s approach of utilizing every resource at its disposal. “The F-16 was never designed to serve as an ELINT platform, but in a situation of necessity, you make use of what you have,” stated Peter Layton, a former officer of the Royal Australian Air Force and defense analyst, in a recent article for The Interpreter.

Layton highlighted that while the jets’ primary strength lies in their combat functions, their capability to collect intelligence could also play a crucial role in undermining Russian operations. This perspective is supported by military analysts who observe that Ukraine’s air force is transforming into a hybrid entity, merging Western technology with Soviet-era strategies.

The wider context of Western assistance adds complexity to the situation. The provision of F-16s has been a controversial topic, with delays and political discussions hindering progress. Although the United States is not directly supplying the aircraft, it has authorized their transfer from European allies and has offered training and logistical support, as reported by Reuters earlier this year.

Nevertheless, recent strains in the relationship between Washington and Kyiv, including a temporary pause in intelligence sharing earlier this month, have sparked worries about the dependability of U.S. support under the current administration. Despite these obstacles, the F-16s now in Ukraine signify a concrete commitment from NATO nations to bolster Kyiv’s military efforts.

As the conflict persists, the function of Ukraine’s F-16s is expected to further develop. The pilot’s interview offers insight into their current operations, yet uncertainties linger regarding their long-term effects. Can a limited number of modified jets alter the dynamics against Russia’s more extensive and established air force?

The answer hinges on various elements beyond the aircraft themselves—training, maintenance, and ongoing support from the West will all be crucial. At present, the F-16s are demonstrating their value in Ukrainian airspace, serving not only as combat aircraft but also as essential assets for intelligence gathering and coordination.

The final aspect of this situation involves the additional aircraft that are yet to arrive. With numerous F-16s promised but not yet in service, Ukraine’s air force remains in a transitional phase. The Netherlands has signaled that more jets will be delivered shortly, while Norway’s contributions are anticipated to enhance the fleet later this year.

These reinforcements could broaden the range of electronic intelligence and combat operations, providing Ukraine with a more formidable position in a conflict that shows no signs of resolution. The pilot’s remarks from the interview resonate as a reminder of the high stakes involved and the creativity needed to navigate them.