“F-16 to Change the Course of War”, – Ukrainian Armed Forces

This was reported by the spokesperson of the Air Force Command of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Yuriy Ignat, during a televised marathon.

“We have already made the decision (regarding pilot training and the provision of Western aircraft to Ukraine). We are awaiting their implementation. I did indeed say that (with F-16) we will win the war. Not immediately, of course, but the F-16 is capable of changing the dynamics, capable of providing us with what is most needed today – air superiority in the occupied territories. Ignat noted that, for example, “at this moment, around 8-9 Russian fighters are present in the occupied territories, dropping guided bombs, launching aerial missiles”, he said.

According to him, “they won’t be able to do this with the F-16”.

“Air superiority is the key to success on the ground, and we all must understand this”, added Ignat.

The spokesperson of the Ukrainian Air Force mentioned that they “want it to happen faster” for Ukraine to utilize Western-made fighters, but the process is not simple.

According to him, Ukrainian airfields have artificial runways made of concrete slabs with seams in between.

“If these runways are properly prepared, there are no issues”, he said.

Ignat clarified that F-16 aircraft had been in Ukraine in 2012 during the Euro 2012 event: they landed on the runways of Myrhorod airfield (Poltava Oblast), where Ukrainian pilots practiced flying them alongside experienced aviators. Following the same principle, in 2018, pilots flew F-15 aircraft in Starokostiantyniv.

According to Ignat, during times of war, apart from adapted and well-maintained runways, “other logistics and infrastructure are needed to protect our aircraft in combat conditions, so that the enemy cannot destroy them on our airfields”.

He emphasized that currently, dozens of Ukrainian aircraft carry out missions in the sky daily, and the Ukrainian Armed Forces have learned how to protect both personnel and equipment.

Photo: Open sources