29-05-2024, 07:28 PM
In addition to defending Ukraine's airspace, F-16s customized with long-range missiles can improve Ukraine's strike capacity — a step as Kyiv tries to halt Moscow's momentum on the battlefield.
"Our task is to use the first F-16 on the battlefield this year and in such way fortify our positions," Zelenskyy said.
The Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway have previously offered up dozens of F-16s to support Ukraine. The US Air Force is training Ukrainian pilots to fly them.
Ukraine could still strike into Russia from its own airspace with the F-16, but the usage restriction limits the plane from deeper attacks and prevents the sighting of a US-made plane overflying Russian land; the US has imposed similar caveats on other weapons
"Our task is to use the first F-16 on the battlefield this year and in such way fortify our positions," Zelenskyy said.
The Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway have previously offered up dozens of F-16s to support Ukraine. The US Air Force is training Ukrainian pilots to fly them.
Ukraine could still strike into Russia from its own airspace with the F-16, but the usage restriction limits the plane from deeper attacks and prevents the sighting of a US-made plane overflying Russian land; the US has imposed similar caveats on other weapons