Ukraine was supposed to receive F-16 fighter jets two years ago. However, now Ukraine needs to prepare for the use of these aircraft, states Lieutenant General (Ret.) David Deptula of the US Air Force in an interview with ArmyInform.
"Ukraine was supposed to receive F-16 jets two years ago... But that's in the past now. Ukraine needs to prepare for the use of these aircraft in the quantity it is currently receiving," he said.
The American general believes that F-16s will strengthen the Ukrainian Air Force, but the quantity matters. According to Deptula, the more F-16s and the better versions Ukraine can acquire, the stronger the Ukrainian Armed Forces will be in the future.
"Partner countries should increase the number of F-16 fighters provided to Ukraine; they should provide upgraded F-16 blocks, as well as modern weaponry for the F-16. This will further enhance the capabilities of the Air Force," said the US general.
F-16s for the Ukrainian Army
Last year, partners formed an aviation coalition for Ukraine, agreeing to transfer modern fighters to the Armed Forces. Ukraine will receive American F-16 jets.
The transfer of F-16s will be gradual, with the Ukrainian Armed Forces initially receiving several units. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously stated that Ukraine needs over 100 modern aircraft in addition to existing ones to establish air parity.
Recently, it became known that the first group of Ukrainian pilots completed training in Arizona on F-16 aircraft. The pilots will not return to Ukraine yet, but will proceed to Europe for further training.
