Ukraine needs more F-16s to strengthen air defense and combat missions - ISW
Photo: The Ukrainian Armed Forces need more F-16s for attacks and effective defense (Getty Images)
The Ukrainian Air Force needs many more F-16s to expand and strengthen its air defense system, according to the Institute for the Study of War.
The report reminds that on August 4, Kyiv announced that Ukraine had received the first batch of F-16 fighters.
However, according to the report, the amount received is insufficient to achieve a tangible result in protecting the country from air attacks or effective participation in combat missions.
According to analysts, Ukraine will need many more F-16s to integrate the aircraft and expand its air defense umbrella.
"Ukraine will also notably need to continue efforts to target Russian air defense assets within the Russian rear and in occupied Ukraine with Western-provided long-range weapons to enable its use of F-16 jets," the ISW report says.
F-16 fighters in Ukraine
In the spring of 2023, an aviation coalition was created to provide Ukraine with F-16 aircraft, led by the Netherlands, Denmark, and some other partner countries.
On Sunday, August 4, 2024, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy demonstrated the first fighter jets Ukraine received. They were equipped with the most modern equipment.
According to The Economist, Ukraine will receive 79 F-16s. Of these, 20 will arrive by the end of this year, and the rest will be delivered in batches throughout 2025.
