First F-16 fighter jets appear to have arrived in Ukraine
Ukraine has been eagerly awaiting F-16 fighter jets for months. These western-produced aircraft are expected to help curb the devastating Russian air strikes. Now, it seems the first machines have arrived in the targeted country.
Ukraine has received the first of the long-awaited F-16 jets, according to news agency Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the matter. However, it is reported that only a small number of these US-produced combat jets have been delivered. Ukraine's air force has not yet responded to a request for comment.
Ukrainians have high hopes for these aircraft. "Even a squadron of F-16s offers many opportunities for basic airspace protection," said Ukrainian aviation expert Anatoliy Chraptchinski. A squadron, according to NATO standards, consists of 18 to 22 aircraft. The number of combat aircraft could currently achieve more than the total number of air defense systems Ukraine currently possesses.
With the arrival of the first F-16s, Chraptchinski believes the number of rockets will significantly decrease as Russian pilots may hold back. However, the expert does not expect air combat, as the primary goal is to secure Ukrainian airspace from rocket attacks. Even the potential use of air-to-air missiles from F-16s against attacking Russian combat aircraft could contribute to airspace security.
F-16s only partially usable
The delivery of combat jets has been delayed for some time. This is partly due to preparatory measures by the Ukrainians, explained Colonel Markus Reisner to ntv.de. "Where will these combat aircraft be stationed? How many airbases can accommodate these combat aircraft? Because the aircraft must constantly rotate to prevent them from being immediately detected and destroyed by the Russians," said Reisner.
The use of combat jets is also significantly restricted by the presence of Russian air defense. According to Ukrainian army chief Oleksandr Syrsky, F-16s can only be deployed at a minimum distance of 40 kilometers from the front - otherwise, they risk being shot down by Russia. "On the Russian side, there is a significant advantage in the area of air defense - both in terms of anti-aircraft guns and combat jets," said Reisner. "This shows the dilemma of Ukraine: it must always fear being partially defeated because it cannot massively deploy forces."
F-16 combat jets are to be made available to Ukraine by both the Netherlands and Denmark. Belgium and Norway had also pledged F-16s.
Despite the arrival of the first F-16 jets, the Russian air strikes on Ukraine continue to pose a significant threat. The limited number of delivered F-16s has led to a strategical dilemma for Ukraine, as they can only be deployed at a safe distance from the front line to avoid being shot down by Russian air defense.
The attack on Ukraine by Russian forces has been ongoing, and the delivery of F-16 fighter jets, while welcome, has not halted the Russian air strikes completely. The arrival of these jets from various Western countries, including the Netherlands and Denmark, has given Ukraine hope for enhanced airspace security.
