Ukraine hoping to get both F-16 and other types of jets from West

Kyiv is counting on Western supplies of not only F-16s but also other types of combat jets, Spokesperson for the Air Force Command of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Yuriy Ihnat has said.

“Ukraine is considering the possibility of receiving other Western jets, in addition to F-16, which could increase the capabilities of the Air Force. All requests to partners exist and have been processed,” he told the all-Ukrainian telethon.

Dual-engine multi-role fighter jets like F-18 or F-15 have more capabilities than F-16 jets, he said, adding that at this stage Ukraine expects to receive F-16 jets.

Yuriy Ihnat also added that the training of Ukrainian pilots abroad has not yet begun.

Earlier, Admiral Rob Bauer Chair of the NATO Military Committee, in an interview with LBC, said that F-16 fighters would be transferred to Kyiv after the end of the counteroffensive. He noted that the issue of the supply of fighters "will not be resolved in the short term for this counteroffensive".