F-16 photo with Ukrainian sign worries Russians: Air Force spokesman
Photo: spokesman of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Yurii Ihnat (armyinform com ua)
The photo of a Ukrainian pilot with an F-16 fighter jet, already adorned with a Ukrainian identification sign, has made Russians nervous, according to the spokesman of the Ukrainian Air Force Yurii Ihnat.
"The interview you've seen, our Phantom, and the photo he took with the signs. They're discussing whether they're real or not. Let's see what, and we've already seen that the Russians say, let them get a little nervous," the spokesman said.
He also noted that when the F-16s arrive in Ukraine, they will become a "luscious target" for the occupiers. Therefore, Ukraine should prepare infrastructure, especially amid daily shelling.
Ihnat added that it is necessary to prepare runways, shelters, and "other aspects" so the enemy cannot reach the fighters.
What preceded this
Recently, a Ukrainian pilot, known as "Phantom," who is training on F-16 fighters, gave an interview to Voice of America.
The pilot also provided a photo of an F-16 with Ukrainian identification marks already applied. The aircraft is currently abroad.
Photo: F-16 with Ukrainian markings (holosameryky.com)
F-16 for Ukraine
Earlier, Ukraine's allies announced the formation of an aviation coalition to provide our country with modern F-16 fighters. The coalition is led by the Netherlands and Denmark.
Recently, it became officially known that the first group of Ukrainian pilots completed basic training in the UK and began training on F-16 fighters in Denmark.
In late December, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced that the government had decided to prepare the first 18 F-16 fighters for transfer to Ukraine.
The Pentagon stated that Ukraine could receive the first F-16 fighters as early as this year. And spokesman for the Ukrainian Air Force, Yurii Ihnat, emphasized that the partners are ready to transfer the aircraft to Ukraine, but preparatory work needs to be completed.
