Ukraine's F-16 plans hampered by language barriers Runway shortages, logistical challenges

This summer, Kyiv will finally receive the much-needed F-16 fighter jets to bolster its defences against Russia, but the numbers will be far fewer than anticipated.

The plan to send these warplanes, a highly discussed topic at this week's NATO summit in Washington, has faced numerous setbacks, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

These include delays, issues with spare parts, and a language barrier between Ukrainian pilots and their foreign trainers, according to sources familiar with the matter. There are also concerns about Ukraine's limited number of runways, which are vulnerable to Russian attacks.

As a result, Ukraine might only manage to deploy a squadron of F-16s, ranging from 15 to 24 jets, far below the 300 jets its leaders have requested. Kyiv expects to receive six F-16s this summer and up to 20 by the end of the year.

The significant challenges have led to doubts about the wisdom of sending the jets now, with concerns that it may be a costly gesture of support for President Volodymyr Zelensky. Since training began for pilots, including 12 in the US, the battlefield dynamics have changed, with both sides increasingly relying on inexpensive drones and Russia strengthening its air defenses.

Jim Townsend, a senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, cautioned against expecting miracles from the F-16s, noting that the airfields they use will be prime targets for Russian attacks.

A senior NATO official highlighted three main issues for planners: the need to reconfigure the planes for different tasks, Ukraine's lack of sufficient high-quality runways and protective shelters, and the complex logistics of supporting the aircraft, including spare parts and maintenance. Another NATO official pointed out that Ukraine is attempting to achieve in months what usually takes three to four years.

A spokesperson for Lockheed Martin, the maker of the F-16, stated that the company continues to support the US government's response to the conflict in Ukraine, without detailing how service or parts for the jets will be managed.

Jake Sullivan, President Biden's top national security adviser, confirmed that the transfer of jets is underway, with Denmark and the Netherlands supplying the planes, and Belgium and Norway also pledging jets. Sullivan said the F-16s are expected to defend front-line forces and help reclaim territory in the future.

Allies are also preparing for the possibility of a second Trump administration and ensuring the jets can continue to operate if the US withdraws support. NATO will play a broader role in coordinating donated equipment and training, with a staff of about 700 people across locations in Poland, Slovakia, and Romania where F-16 training is conducted.