60 F-16s sufficient for Kiev to complete combat tasks: Air Force spox

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
31 Aug 2023 00:11
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In January, Ukraine's Air force spokesperson said that the Ukrainian Air Force needed about 200 new aircraft to replace its Soviet-era jets, with the F-16 being the top contender.

This undated photo shows four F-16 planes flying. (AFP)

According to Ukrainian Air Force Command spokesperson Yuriy Ignat, 60 F-16s would be sufficient for Kiev to complete its combat tasks.

In January, Ignat said that the Ukrainian Air Force needed about 200 new aircraft to replace its Soviet-era jets, with the F-16 being the top contender.

"Let it be 60 aircraft ... if they are dispersed over different operational airfields with Soviet fighters among them. Take off, destroy the target, land. Will these 60 be enough for that? I think, for such tasks, they would be," the official told Ukrainian broadcaster Suspilne on Wednesday.

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In August, the US gave the green light for the transfer of F-16 fighter jets from Denmark and the Netherlands to Ukraine, as soon as Ukrainian pilots finish their training on how to use the aircraft.

After Russia launched its special military operation in February 2022, Western allies began providing weapons to Ukraine.

They started with light artillery munitions and training, but have since moved on to heavier weapons.

In recent months, Ukraine has been asking its allies to provide fighter jets, while Russia has consistently warned against further arms deliveries to Ukraine.

Yesterday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed that the new military package for Ukraine worth $250 million will be comprised of AIM-9M, Javelin missiles, 155mm and 105mm artillery rounds, High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) missiles, and three million small caliber rounds.