F-16 fighter jets set to counter Russian air superiority in Kharkiv region

WORLD  23 June 2024 - 17:15

The first batch of F-16 fighter jets heading to Kyiv will be deployed to the Kharkiv region, where Russian forces currently hold air superiority.

These jets aim to counter the precision-guided bombs used by the Russian military in battles around Kharkiv, targeting specific threats in the area, Caliber.Az reports with reference to the foreign media.

However, experts highlight several challenges Ukraine may face in operating these advanced jets. The U.S. has delayed training Ukrainian pilots on the F-16s, and their current skills may not be sufficient for optimal operation. Additionally, maintaining these aircraft requires a well-trained crew and qualified specialists.

Deploying F-16s won't be without its difficulties. Experts note that NATO forces typically support these jets with various other aircraft, such as the newer F-35s. Nevertheless, the supply of two Saab surveillance aircraft from Sweden is seen as a significant boost. These aircraft will provide essential "in-the-air oversight," enhancing the overall effectiveness of the F-16s. While the specific missiles these jets will carry were not disclosed, a wide range of weapons is expected to be available.

Russia is likely to target any F-16s stationed on Ukrainian airfields, necessitating their careful concealment and protection by anti-missile systems to prevent significant losses soon after their arrival.

During the G-7 summit in Italy, President Joe Biden clarified that the U.S.-Ukraine security agreement does not include the deployment of U.S. troops to Ukraine. However, Washington maintains a firm stance on the use of long-range weapons against Russian territory.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy announced that the security agreement would enable Kyiv to acquire Patriot air defense systems and a variety of fighter jets, including F-16s. The Russian Foreign Ministry has stressed that the presence of F-16s in Ukraine would be viewed as potential nuclear weapons carriers, interpreting the transfer of these jets to Kyiv as a deliberate provocation by NATO and the United States.

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan confirmed that the F-16s the U.S. plans to send to Ukraine will be stationed directly on Ukrainian soil. In an interview with PBS, Sullivan stated, "The plan is to deploy the F-16s to Ukraine."

Serhii Holubtsov, the commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, mentioned that several F-16s would be placed at air bases abroad. Some maintenance work for these jets will occur in Ukraine, although there is "no set plan in place" for F-16s to be repaired in the West.

Despite the challenges, Ukrainian aviation experts are optimistic about the impact of the F-16s. "With F-16s, we can achieve parity in the sky above Ukraine and inflict significant losses on Russian aviation in the border zone," stated expert Khrapchynskyi.

Caliber.Az