Parliament believes that first F-16s to appear in Ukraine in late spring
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (Ukrainian Parliament) believes that, according to a positive scenario, the F-16 fighter jets will appear in Ukraine at the end of spring.
Source: Oleksandra Ustinova, head of the Holos (Voice) faction in the Verkhovna Rada, in an interview for European Pravda
Quote: "The best scenario is the end of spring. The first F-16 pilots will be trained by the end of this year, but there are not enough of them, and the majority of pilots are still training."
She also revealed that the agreements about the modernisation of the F-16s promised to Ukraine are ongoing.
"Because we need more powerful radars and better missiles for them," Ustinova noted.
"Supplying us with an aircraft with a 60 km radar like those installed on the MiG aircraft is pointless. So at the moment, our international partners, jointly with our Ministry of Defence, are actively working on it. And if we receive this, it will be one of the game-changers next year," she explained.
"Of course, there will be no magical effect like many expected: we will receive the F-16s and liberate Crimea right away. But there are definitely types of weapons that allow us to dramatically decrease our losses, and will give us, if not air superiority, then equality of forces in the air at the very least. The F-16s are able to play this role," Ustinova said.
Background:
- At the end of October, the US confirmed the start of flight training for Ukrainians on the F-16s.
- It was also revealed that the European F-16 Training Centre (EFTC), where the Ukrainian pilots will undergo training, has opened at the Romanian military airbase in Fetesti.
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