Ukraine may receive 12 F-16s by year-end, expert says
F-16 (Getty Images)
Ukraine will receive 12 F-16s by the end of 2024. The next deliveries of the fighter jets will depend on pilot training, according to RBC-Ukraine article F-16s on the way: When Ukraine will receive fighter jets and see their effect at the frontline.
According to Kostiantyn Kryvolap, a former test engineer at Antonov Design Bureau, the first 20 pilots will be able to service one standard squadron of 12 units properly.
“I think this year we will receive aircraft in a 6+6 configuration. It is possible to have up to 18 aircraft, but this means a very heavy workload. The pilots will have to lift the fighters during air attacks and land them at another airfield. Therefore, based on the number of pilots, I am still inclined to 12 aircraft,” the expert said.
What will determine the next deliveries?
Further deliveries and the number of aircraft are also linked to the training of the flight crew. At least for now, the situation is not very clear. On the one hand, a training base has been opened in Romania, simulators are being delivered there, and the Netherlands is providing aircraft for training. Still, the center has not yet become fully operational.
“It takes at least six months to train. If pilots without combat experience are sent there, it can last at least 9 months,” added Kryvolap.
F-16 for Ukraine
As President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously said, Ukraine needs at least 128 F-16 multi-role fighters. To date, partners have declared their intention to provide about 80 units: Denmark - 19, the Netherlands - 24, Belgium - 30, and Norway - 6.
The delivery of the promised planes will be delayed. According to President Zelenskyy, there is a “decision on 10-20 fighters.” According to Bloomberg, citing sources, Ukraine expects to receive 6 units by the end of the summer and 20 in total by the end of the year.
