The F16 won’t be able to give close air support, it’s true - at least initially, but with the SSAM missiles just promised, they will start to take down Russian bombers and fighters - maybe even those troublesome alligators. Maybe not the game changer you were thinking of, but a critical move to protect vital infrastructure and start wearing down Russias air defences.
I’m worried about their flanks…
They are low earth orbit satellites, this is expected and most likely planned for.