The West's plan to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighters could be thwarted by the advanced long-range 40N6 class missiles of the S-400 air defense missile system. These missiles have already proven their effectiveness during Moscow's special operation, a reliable source told Sputnik.
"The S-400 air defense system uses the 40N6 ultra-long range guided anti-aircraft missile, which is the most advanced in its class in the world and is equipped with a homing head with unique capabilities. Thanks to this missile, the S-400, in conjunction with the A-50U long-range radar detection aircraft, will be able to engage targets over the horizon, including high-speed maneuvering targets at low altitudes," the source said.
Potentially, the S-400 will be able to hit F-16 aircraft with 40N6 missiles immediately after takeoff and gain altitude when deployed at forward airfields, the source added.
"These missiles are expected to become one of the main means, along with fighter aircraft, to destroy F-16s," he specified.
The Russian air defense system will need only about 20 days to shoot down all the F-16s that the Ukrainian military will receive, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said in early November.