Ukraine's air force to adopt NATO-style structure with new wing units
Photo: urii Ihnat, head of the Communications Department of the Ukrainian Air Force Command (GettyImages)
Yurii Ihnat, head of the Communications Department of the Ukrainian Air Force Command, said Ukraine is preparing long-term changes to its military aviation. By 2035, the Ukrainian Air Force plans to transition to a new organizational model that includes the creation of wing-style aviation units and multi-purpose air bases.
According to him, the Air Force's development strategy has already been outlined through 2035. The document covers the future organizational structure, types of weapons, and the overall model for operating military aviation after the war.
One of the planned steps is the creation of wing-style aviation units.
“For example, yesterday we already launched a Facebook page for the 107th F-16 Wing, which may publish some materials about its work,” the Air Force spokesperson added.
Special attention will also be paid to air bases. They are planned to be established at operational airfields that Ukraine has been using during the war. These facilities are to be equipped to accommodate and service different types of aircraft.
Currently, the infrastructure at some airfields is largely tailored to specific aircraft. For example, the airfield in Ivano-Frankivsk primarily operates the MiG-29, and its technical support infrastructure has been organized accordingly.
In the future, air bases are expected to become more versatile, allowing them to accommodate different models of combat aircraft. According to Ihnat, this approach is in line with NATO standards.
Will Ukraine upgrade its F-16s
At the same time, Ukraine is working to develop its existing aircraft fleet. In particular, during meetings between Ukrainian officials and representatives of US-based Lockheed Martin, the parties discussed ways to improve the capabilities of the F-16 fighter jets already in service with the Ukrainian Air Force.
Ukraine received Block 15 aircraft, which had previously been operated by other countries. Their service life is limited, and the need for repairs and maintenance is growing due to intensive combat operations.
Ihnat noted that Ukrainian fighter jets have been heavily involved in intercepting Russian drones in recent months. According to him, the Air Force dealt with approximately 3,500 jet-powered targets over the previous month.
Under these circumstances, cooperation with the manufacturer could help restore aircraft, carry out upgrades, and improve the effectiveness of the equipment Ukraine already has.
At the same time, Ukrainian pilots would prefer newer versions of the F-16, namely the Block 70/72. As the Air Force representative explained, these fighters would give Ukraine a better chance of taking on Russian Su-35 aircraft.
When could Ukraine receive Gripen fighter jets
Another area of military aviation development involves Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets. According to Ihnat, Ukrainian pilots have been actively discussing these aircraft, partly because of their relatively low operating costs and straightforward maintenance requirements.
Ukraine could initially receive earlier Gripen C/D variants. Meanwhile, Swedish company Saab is developing the newer Gripen E, which Ihnat said offers strong capabilities.
These aircraft are also being considered in light of Ukraine's need to counter Russian guided aerial bombs. However, their potential delivery depends on further agreements and would not eliminate the need to maintain the aircraft already in service with the Ukrainian military.
In the same interview, Ihnat also said that the number of Patriot interceptor missiles used in the Middle East could have been enough to sustain Ukraine's combat operations for several years.
