Ukraine to face this autumn and winter without F-16s

Ukraine will not be able to protect its skies with US-made F-16 fighters in the coming autumn and winter.

Source: Yurii Ihnat, Spokesman for Ukraine’s Air Force, on the national joint 24/7 newscast

Quote: "It is already obvious that we will not be able to protect Ukraine with F-16 fighters this autumn and winter.

We had high hopes for this aircraft, believing it would become part of air defence and be able to protect us from Russian missile and drone terrorism."

Details: At the same time, Ihnat noted that "nevertheless", the issue of training Ukrainian pilots and engineers on the F-16 "has moved forward".

"Our pilots will be trained in the aviation coalition member countries in the near future," Ihnat said.

He added that Ukraine still has a need to strengthen its air defence systems.

Background:

• The Washington Post, citing Ukrainian, European and US officials and military personnel, said Ukraine will likely face another year without F-16 pilots.
• The New York Times believes Ukraine can prevail in its counteroffensive without the F-16s, and their presence would not have a decisive impact on the situation on the battlefield.

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