Forget the F-16s, Let’s send Ukraine F-4s and F15s.
For months, the online communities have been dedicated to advocating for F-16s to be sent to Ukraine. The intent is to provide Ukraine with 4th Generation Fighters and Bombers that can equalize the advantage that Russia currently has toward Air Superiority.
The Weapon Systems
To start with, lets discuss the differences and similarities between these weapon systems:
The F-4’s nine external hardpoints have a capability of up to 18,650 pounds (8,480 kg) of weapons, including air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, and unguided/guided weapons. Like other interceptors of its day, the F-4 was designed without an internal cannon. While no true comparison of the F4 can be found against the Mig-29, it is notable that they can be used in a support role to the F-15 weapon system. The F-4 is also extremely capable to less than desirable runway conditions.
The F-15 is an additional 4th generation system that provides quality airpower that would be of use to Ukraine building air superiority. The Eagle has already been proven against the Mig-29 in real world conditions, and only needs long range radar support to ensure that they can swarm enemy engagements. While more delicate than the F-4, the F-15 suspension is more equipped to work on Ukrainian tarmacs than the F-16 is.
The F-16 also offers 9 External hardpoints with a similar top end carrying capacity. It’s maneuverability it superior to the F-4 and F-15 but has a considerable handicap compared to them both. The F-16 has a very precise and delicate suspension system that requires a smooth and well maintained runway. Ukraine is in short supply of smooth tarmacs, and would be a liability for F-16s trying to work from them. Ukraine has made an effort to improve runway conditions, but this is cause for concern.
Ultimately, the comparisons of these weapon systems is needed to propose a simple, economic and realistic option for US support of the Ukrainian Airforce.
THE BONEYARD
Currently, the Boneyard has several squadrons of F-4 and F-15 fighters in inventory and enough surplus to ensure parts available for each. Unlike the F-16, both systems have been removed from the current warfighter inventory of the US. Giving these systems to Ukraine wouldn’t take from the current US strategic stockpiles but would greatly increase the air strength of Ukraine.
The Compromise
This seems like a far easier sell to those in power worried that this would be viewed as a “provocation”. The systems are slightly older, in storage and would need upgrades in radar to meet the current Ukrainian need. That said, the F-4 and F-15 would be perfect systems for the runway issues that are a major inhibitor for Ukraine to receive F-16s. Updating radars can be done with relative ease and there are enough systems sitting in the desert to ensure added parts for servicing.
- *Incidentally, I would included that there are also F-14s in the desert that are proven against Mig-29s, but there is apparently a scare of using them to avoid any lost parts making their way to support Iran’s dwindling fleet**
Ultimately, this is a suggestion from an outsider looking in, and I admit that I am completely blind to a lot of the considerations used to determine which systems to send. The US and Ukrainian command are certainly in a better position to know what is needed on the ground and what is avaiable; this just seems like something that should at least be suggest if it hasn’t already been.