F-16s Supported By NATO Airborne Radar!

The Su-35's advantage in BVR combat would diminish if the F-16s supplied to Ukraine come with NATO's Link 16 tactical data link network that enables all the assets on the battlefield to share the same picture.

In that case, NATO could employ its AWACS airborne radar near Ukrainian air space to provide tracking information to F-16s and guide the AMRAAMs fired by them mid-flight toward their targets.

Experts have warned that NATO AWACS platforms supporting the Ukrainian F-16s could make them active participants in the conflict in the eyes of the Russian leadership.

Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council and Former President Dmitry Medvedev warned last year that NATO personnel actively participating in the conflict will become a legitimate target" for the Russian armed forces.