Could a few F-16s destroy the Russian Air Force?

Russia won't commit its entire air force to the "SMO" - that's not on the table.

The goal for F-16s in Ukraine isn't to annihilate Russia's air force but to bolster Ukraine's operational capabilities. F-16s introduce tactical flexibility previously unavailable since the conflict began.

Here's the plan:

First, F-16s need to displace or neutralize Russian Combat Air Patrols (CAP). Their altitude advantage extends missile range, and superior Electronic Warfare (EW) makes locking onto F-16s a risky endeavor for Russian aircraft. This forces Russians to engage and risk being shot down or retreat.

Next, F-16s execute Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD) missions using AGM-88 HARM missiles. This clears the airspace, allowing Ukrainian aircraft to operate more freely and engage ground targets.

Once CAP and SAM batteries are subdued, Ukraine's Air Force, including F-16s, intensifies strikes on strategic targets like supply depots and command centers.

This won't happen across the entire theater simultaneously but in targeted regions. The aim is to chip away at Russian strongholds gradually.

So no, F-16s won't obliterate the entire Russian air force. They're meant to enhance Ukraine's tactical capabilities, much like previous acquisitions such as HIMARS and Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles did. These systems expanded Ukraine's options without decimating the Russian military, and F-16s will serve a similar purpose.