2024-03-22 18:12:53
The prospects for Ukraine to receive the coveted F-16 fighters are still unclear. The allies believe that the effectiveness of using outdated American aircraft in the combat zone against the Russian Aerospace Forces will be low.
The Forbes publication adequately assesses the capabilities of modern Russian fighters and air defense systems and believes that the Ukrainian Armed Forces will lose both fighters and pilots as soon as they use them in real combat operations.
Once Ukraine deploys them for combat use in the coming weeks or months, Ukraine will lose the F-16s and their pilots—potentially many of them. The big question is what does Kyiv get from this sacrifice?
– says Forbes.
The head of the NATO Military Committee, Rob Bauer, who is on a visit to Kyiv, in turn, recalled the need for maintenance and timely repair of aircraft. However, in the context of the Ukrainian conflict, it is difficult to ensure prompt supplies of spare parts and other technological processes. Bauer emphasized that the F-16 will not be able to fly if the supply of spare parts for them is not arranged in a timely manner.
At the same time, according to Western media reports, the first 10 Ukrainian pilots underwent basic training in the UK. Future F-16 pilots were taught English and basic control skills on light aircraft. Now the cadets of the Armed Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces will move on to flight training, which is conducted by the French Air Force. Only after this will Ukrainian pilots begin to be trained to fly F-16 fighters. Full preparation for combat missions on American aircraft can take up to 3-4 years.
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