Why in news
NATO allies announced they had started transferring F-16 jets to Ukraine while stepping up promises to Kyiv on eventual membership in the alliance, at a 75th anniversary summit clouded by political uncertainties in the United States.
F-16 jets
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft.
It is highly maneuverable and has proven itself in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack
Manufacturer: General Dynamics (1974–1993); Lockheed Corporation (1993–1995); Lockheed Martin (1995–present)
It can locate targets in all weather conditions and detect low flying aircraft in radar ground clutter
In an air-to-surface role, the F-16 can fly more than 500 miles, deliver its weapons with superior accuracy, defend itself against enemy aircraft, and return to its starting point.
It has an internal M61 Vulcan cannon and 11 locations for mounting weapons (hardpoints) and other mission equipment.
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