F-16 will be able to detect Russian aircraft at long distances and will allow Ukrainian pilots to stay out of range of advanced Russian air defense, Atlantic Council writes

In addition, these fighters are likely to be equipped with AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, which are similar in performance to, and possibly superior to, the Russian R-77.

In addition, the operation of the F-16 will provide Ukraine with a platform capable of easily integrating a wide range of complex weapons systems, should the US and other countries decide to offer them in the future. These range from the AN/ALQ-131 electronic countermeasures system to long-range kinetic weapons such as small-diameter bombs and cruise missiles such as the AGM-158 JASSM.

As soon as Ukraine can operate F-16 aircraft, NATO countries will open the door to supply these weapons, as they are easily compatible with American-made fighters.