Ukraine gears up: F‑16s delivered amidst russian threats

Russians claim that the appearance of F-16 fighters at the front will not significantly impact the course of the war in Ukraine. In practice, however, Vladimir Putin's army prioritizes destroying this equipment. What plan does Ukraine have to protect it?

Russia has been prepared for the arrival of F-16 planes since last fall. During this time, they gathered air defense resources from everywhere they could, including S-300, S-400, and other systems.

The biggest challenge for Ukrainians will be ensuring safe places to base the F-16 fighters.

It is no secret that the Russians' most important goal is to destroy Western equipment in Ukraine. This raises the question of what steps are being taken to protect it. Journalist Oleksandr Kovalenko explained that the country attacked by the Russians is ready for various scenarios.

Russians prioritize the destruction of Western equipment. Among other things, F-16 planes are their primary target. However, I want to emphasize that as part of the security precautions at every airport where these planes are stationed, pilots are always on duty, and in the event of an air alarm, they always take the plane up to ensure its safety, said Kovalenko.

The first F-16 fighters appeared in Ukraine at the end of July and the beginning of August. Most likely, there are 10 planes delivered by the Netherlands and Denmark. Ukraine is set to receive a total of about 80 such machines.

Such a number of fighters will allow the creation of several squadrons that will primarily defend the sky from Russian air raids. The planes will also enable air-to-air and air-to-ground attacks and jam the electronic signals of Russian radars located in Ukraine and at its borders.