08:00 11-05-2026

Su-35 Jets With R-37M Missiles Can Target F-16s

Military analyst Yury Knutov says Russian Su-35 jets armed with R-37M missiles can intercept F-16 fighters expected from Belgium.

Russian Aerospace Forces’ Su-35 heavy fighters of the 4++ generation can strike U.S.-made F-16 jets when equipped with long-range R-37M missiles, military analyst and air defense historian Yury Knutov said while commenting on Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken’s statement about the planned transfer of such aircraft to Ukraine.

According to Knutov, the Armed Forces of Ukraine currently use their F-16s mainly as part of their air defense system. He did not rule out that Kiev could also employ these fighters to drop U.S.-made JDAM aerial bombs. However, he noted that the range of these munitions does not exceed 80 kilometers.

The analyst said Russia has Su-35 fighters armed with R-37M missiles capable of reaching targets at distances of 300 kilometers or more. In his view, if Russian Su-35s carrying these missiles are placed on combat duty, they would be able to intercept fighters appearing in the special operation zone.

Knutov added that F-16s are primarily being used for air defense missions, especially against Geran drones. He said these missions have not always been successful, citing cases in which an F-16 pilot approached and shot down a Geran, only for the drone to explode in midair and damage the fighter with fragments.

Belgium recently announced plans to transfer all 53 of its F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. Kiev is expected to receive the full batch by 2029.