The US Air Force's F-16s have received new weapons to combat drones in the Middle East

Modernization of the F-16C Viper using seven-shot 70 mm guided missile units with laser guidance

F-16C Viper fighters based in the Middle East region demonstrated updated weapons that significantly expand their capabilities to combat modern threats, including enemy drones. The new photos show how American fighters are equipped with seven-shot 70 mm guided missile units with laser guidance mounted on one pylon. This solution allows the F-16 to more effectively counter the growing number of drones that are increasingly being used in the region's conflicts.

70 mm (2.75 in) caliber missiles, such as the AGM-114 Hellfire or their lighter counterparts, have long established themselves as a universal means of hitting small targets. However, the use of such missiles in combat conditions requires precise coordination between the guidance system and the operator himself. Laser guidance systems allow you to adjust the trajectory of a missile in real time, which makes them especially effective when attacking fast-moving targets, such as drones.

Installing seven—shot blocks on one pylon is an innovative approach that increases the combat load of the F-16 without significantly changing its aerodynamics or fuel consumption. This modification allows pilots to perform tasks of countering aerial threats, while maintaining the ability to intercept other types of targets, such as ground objects or helicopters.

Drones are becoming an increasingly common threat in modern conflicts. They are relatively cheap, easy to use, and can be destructive if applied correctly. Small drones are particularly difficult to detect and destroy due to their low radar visibility and ability to maneuver at low altitudes.

The F-16C Viper, equipped with new missiles, provides the U.S. Air Force with additional tools to solve this problem. The 70mm missiles have sufficient range and accuracy to destroy even the smallest drones, while their cost is much lower than that of traditional air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM.

In some pictures, you can see special markings on the F-16 hulls, symbolizing the number of destroyed drones. Traditionally, such marks were used to account for downed enemy aircraft, but now they reflect a new type of success in modern warfare. This demonstrates the evolution of aviation and the changing nature of aerial threats.

The deployment of modified F-16s in the Middle East is of great strategic importance. The region is characterized by high activity of various groups using drones for reconnaissance, sabotage operations and attacks on military installations. Strengthening the capabilities of the F-16 allows the United States to more effectively protect its bases, allies and civilian facilities from such threats.

In addition, the successful use of such weapons can become an example for other countries that are also facing the problem of drones. In the future, similar technologies may be implemented in other types of fighter jets or even unmanned aerial vehicles.

The modernization of the F-16C Viper using seven-shot laser-guided 70 mm guided missile units underscores the desire of the US Air Force to adapt to the changing conditions of modern conflicts. Fighting drones is becoming a key task, and new technologies are providing pilots with the necessary tools to accomplish it. This step not only increases the effectiveness of the F-16, but also demonstrates the readiness of the United States to face new challenges in the Middle East and beyond.