Hysteria in the Russian media: “Israel could not have known that Kyiv would receive F-16 aircraft with Israeli-developed equipment” – and why is this now?

Quote: “… we are not talking about direct supplies of Israeli systems to Ukraine, but Tel Aviv (! orig) I couldn’t help but know that Kyiv would receive aircraft with Israeli-developed equipment“.

“And Russia, of course, should keep this in mind when conducting military-technical cooperation with the countries of the Islamic world.”

“Israeli-made defensive systems were found on F-16 fighters recently transferred to Ukraine.” On October 14, 2024, Russian propaganda sites began to “moan” about this, for example. Lenta-ru.

They cite that “these data have been confirmed” by an aerospace defense think tank (AC PKO) and published in the Russian magazine “National Defense”

How write,

The former Danish F-16AMs “exposed” in the sky carried Israeli-developed equipment. This doesn't mean that Israel moved from “hidden” to “direct” support for Ukraine. Defense systems and Lightning containers were used by the Danish Air Force and were transferred to Ukraine along with the aircraft. Moreover, the defense systems built into the pylons are manufactured by the Danish company Terma, which is a joint venture with the Israeli company Elbit Systems. They are also standard equipment on the F-16AM/BM of the Belgian and Dutch Air Forces.

Thus, in this case we are not talking about direct and open supplies of Israeli military products to Ukraine, but, on the other hand, Tel Aviv could not help but know that Kyiv would receive aircraft with equipment developed by Israeli companies and did not consider it necessary to prevent this.

And Russia, of course, should keep this in mind when conducting military-technical cooperation with the countries of the Islamic world.

F-16 in Ukraine

According to the source, Ukrainian F-16s have on board:

• Pylons with defensive systems Elbit Systems — two pylons for each aircraft. These systems are capable of protecting the fighter from infrared and radar-guided missiles by misleading the missiles and creating decoys.
• Hanging containers Litening G4 from Rafael — containers that allow the use of laser-guided precision bombs.
• Helmet-mounted targeting system JHMCSdeveloped by Vision Systems International, which is designed for precision guidance of short-range AIM-9 missiles Sidewinder. The system allows pilots to aim missiles by literally turning their heads.

The history of the appearance of Israeli equipment

Back on August 4, 2024, the office of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky presented the first photographs of Western F-16 fighters that were on the territory of Ukraine. This presentation was timed to coincide with Ukrainian Air Force Day, highlighting the strategic importance of the aircraft's arrival.

President Vladimir Zelensky noted:

“This is a new stage in the development of our Air Force.”

But the presentation also revealed interesting details about the equipment that was installed on these fighters.

The Importance of Israeli Technology

Military analyst Agil Rustamzade emphasized that the Israeli-developed systems installed on the F-16 have proven their effectiveness in real combat operations, including Israeli operations in Syria:

“Israeli F-16s have been successfully conducting operations in Syria for almost 30 years. During this time, only one F-16 was shot down, thanks to the use of such defensive systems.”

These technologies not only protect aircraft from enemy missiles, but also actively suppress enemy radar systems, creating significant advantages for pilots in combat.

JHMCS Helmet System

One of the key innovations is JHMCS helmet system. This is technology that allows F-16 pilots to aim without turning the plane, but only by turning their heads. Rustamzade emphasizes:

“This system gives pilots significant advantages in air combat. By turning their heads, they can aim the missiles, which saves time and increases efficiency in combat.”

In addition, the helmet displays all the necessary information on the protective glass in front of the pilot’s eyes, improving reaction and coordination.

Conclusion

The transfer of F-16s with Israeli technology to Ukraine opens a new chapter in cooperation between the countries. These systems give the Ukrainian Air Force a significant advantage in air combat, increasing aircraft protection and strike accuracy.

Why is this now?

The current “scandal” surrounding Israeli-made equipment on F-16 fighters transferred to Ukraine is obviously related to several factors:

1. Political context of the Middle East: Israel and Hezbollah have historically been in conflict, and Russia actively supports Iran, which is Hezbollah's main sponsor. Recent successful Israeli actions against Hezbollah positions in Syria could cause tension between Moscow and Tel Aviv. Russia, seeking to weaken the Israeli side, can use such informational reasons for pressure.
2. Symbolism and moment: The publication in the Russian media about Israeli-made equipment on Ukrainian F-16s occurred right now, when the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is in an aggravated stage. This is an attempt to show that Israel is indirectly involved in a conflict against Russian-Iranian interests, which could weaken its position in the international arena, especially among the countries of the Islamic world.
3. Military cooperation: Russia is actively cooperating with Iran and the groups it supports in the region. The scandal could be seen as a signal to other Middle Eastern countries that Israel is allegedly involved in the Ukrainian conflict, which could hit its diplomatic and economic relations with Islamic states.

In this light, such statements look like an attempt by Russia to create a negative image of Israel among its neighbors and countries that support Iran, while simultaneously weakening the international position of Ukraine, which receives aid.