1:72 ICM F-16AM of Ukrainian Air Forces with PAG-14

[rverissimo]

ICM 1:72 F-16AM of Ukrainian Air Forces with PAG-14

Ref: 72145

Retail price: 20,09€

Available here

Introduction

ICM continues its unstoppable pace, releasing multiple kits across a wide range of themes that cater to almost every modelling taste. In this case, we have a collaboration between a well-established kit (Hasegawa) and new parts that update it to the AM version.
 

Nordic Fighting Falcons to Ukraine

What’s in the Box

On the box lid, we see an F-16AM in Ukrainian colours taking off at full military power from a typically Soviet-style airstrip made of PAG-14 concrete slabs.
Inside the typical ICM cardboard box, we find:

• One bag with the sprues for building the F-16
• Two sprues with the parts needed to convert it to the “AM” version
• One bag containing 32 PAG-14 slabs
• An instruction booklet
• A decal sheet
• A leaflet referencing the ICM paint range

Rising Sun Falcon

Hasegawa’s F-16 has been around in the modelling world for quite a few years. For a long time, it was the benchmark in the gentleman’s scale (1:72), but newer offerings have since surpassed it in terms of detail and ease of assembly. Still, it’s a Hasegawa – and that’s an aristocratic lineage.
The kit features recessed panel lines with fine detailing that’s perfectly appropriate for the scale. Yes, there are simplified elements, but it’s easy to build, quick to assemble, and in the end, you get an F-16AM.
One of the kit’s weak points is the cockpit, which lacks detail beyond the control stick. That’s where ICM’s decal sheet comes in, providing decals for the side consoles and instrument panel.

Let’s check the sprues then:

Sprue W (x2)

This sprue, designed and moulded by ICM, provides the wing pylons with the ECIPS+ system (Self-Protection Jammer solution), wingtip launchers, RWR antennas for the wing leading edge, and AIM-120 missiles to upgrade the model to the “AM” version. Being a modern design and mould, these parts stand out compared to the rest of the Hasegawa kit, enhancing the overall quality of the model.

 

F-16 Sprues

The model is distributed across four glossy grey sprues and a small clear one containing the two-part canopy and HUD.

 

Sprue A

This sprue provides the upper half of the F-16 fuselage. The fine and accurate panel line detailing, a hallmark of the Japanese brand, is worth noting. Personally, I’m not a fan of the nose being moulded as part of the fuselage, as it will require extra care to eliminate seam lines.

Sprue B

This sprue contains the lower fuselage (moulded as a single piece). Unlike sprue A, it includes additional parts such as: rear landing gear bay bulkheads and wheels, engine intake, boarding ladder, and exhaust nozzle (not shown in the photo as it detached from the sprue). The canopy actuator is also included—although simplified, it’s still present. The landing gear doors are detailed on the inside. Note: there are mould marks on this surface that should be addressed.

Sprue C

This sprue includes the wings (moulded as a single piece), tail (moulded in one piece), afterburner face, landing gear, and lower canards.
The ejection seat is also represented, albeit in a simplified form.

Sprue D

This sprue provides the original wing pylons from the kit, as well as armament and external fuel tanks (centreline and wing-mounted), typical of the F-16’s operational configuration. Except for the external tanks and AIM-9s, the remaining parts won’t be used, as they are replaced by those on sprue W.

Sprue E

This sprue contains the clear parts: two-part canopy and HUD.
Note: The sprue gates on the canopy edges should be carefully removed (for example, using a fine razor saw like the ASK Ultra & Extra Smooth Asymmetric 70/43 teeth) to avoid burrs or cracks. Despite this, the frame detailing is quite visible, making it easier to mask the transparent sections.

PAG-14 Slabs

This set also includes 32 PAG-14 slabs. These pre-fabricated concrete plates, widely used across Soviet-era airfields and bases, are still a common sight throughout Ukraine. Their inclusion allows us to place the F-16AM in an operational context.
Of course, the 32 pieces can be used to build a 1:72 scale runway section, but they also offer great potential for use in a variety of bases and dioramas 😊.
The surface detail is realistic and well-scaled, and with a layer of paint and weathering, they’ll make the perfect complement to the Ukrainian-coloured F-16.

Instructions

The instruction booklet is A4-sized and consists of 8 pages. The first page presents the colour guide, entirely based on the ICM paint range. Following that, there’s a parts layout and a step-by-step assembly guide with clear, easy-to-follow illustrations.

Marking Options

Two marking options are provided, representing the first two airframes delivered to the Ukrainian Air Force, previously operated by the Royal Danish Air Force:

1. F-16AM UA 80-3596, Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 2024

2. F-16AM UA 80-3599, Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 2024

Decals

The decal sheet provides markings for the first two operational airframes, along with service stencils. The decals are well-printed, with good colour definition and detail.
Also included are strip decals for the armament, specifically the AIM-9 and AIM-120 missiles, as well as stencils for the wing-mounted external fuel tanks.
An interesting detail also provided as a decal is the identification and interception light mounted on the fuselage behind the radar, on the left side.

Conclusion

This set combines parts from a classic kit which, despite its age, remains relevant and easy to build.

I say this with confidence, having built one in the past.
The upgrade parts supplied by ICM allow the model to be brought up to a modern standard. That said, keen-eyed modellers will notice a few missing details, such as the structural reinforcement plates on the fuselage and wings, and the typical light cluster mounted on the front landing gear door (which can be easily added using a segment from the clear sprue).
The inclusion of PAG-14 slabs allows modellers to go a step further and present the aircraft in a simple diorama—an uncommon but very welcome addition in today’s modelling kits.
The updated decals and stencils help elevate the final result, compensating for some of the kit’s limitations.

What does this mean?
It’s a straightforward kit: a beginner won’t struggle with the build, and a more experienced modeller will enjoy a simple, no-fuss project.
The paint scheme, although grey, offers room for variation and creativity, making the final model even more eye-catching.

This is a well-balanced and simple set—something we all need from time to time!

It’s definitely a recommended kit!

Thanks to ICM for providing the model for review!

available at

 

Ricardo Veríssimo