With F-16 fighter jets expected to be provided to Ukraine over the coming months, opinions of their usefulness span from a gamechanger in the war with Russia to a total waste of resources. But there is one way that these aircraft will harm Russia even if they never shoot down a missile, fighter jet, or helicopter: They will cost the Russian Aerospace Forces precious aircraft life.…

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Michael Bohnert is an engineer at the RAND Corporation. He previously worked as an engineer at a naval nuclear laboratory.

This commentary originally appeared on Defense News on August 14, 2023. Commentary gives RAND researchers a platform to convey insights based on their professional expertise and often on their peer-reviewed research and analysis.