Ukraine has gone through a lengthy process of acquiring the US-designed F-16s, as well as training Ukrainian pilots. The receipt of the F-16s is seen as a milestone for Kiev forces.
While Ukraine waited to receive the F-16s, Russia had time to prepare to try to neutralize the impact of the fighter, and Ukraine had a difficult time with an air force that was a fraction of the size of Russia's.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen sit on an F-16 fighter jet. Photo: Reuters
Small quantity
The number of F-16s currently delivered appears to be small. The Times of London, citing a source familiar with the matter, said Ukraine had received only six aircraft.
The number is expected to increase, but remains far short of the number that military analysts say is needed for Ukraine.
Serhii Kuzan, president of the Center for Security and Cooperation of Ukraine, a non-governmental research group, said at least 60 aircraft would be needed for critical operations as Ukraine tries to repel Russian aircraft.
MP Oleksandra Ustinova, head of Kiev's parliamentary committee on arms and ammunition, said Ukraine would need nearly 120 F-16 aircraft to significantly boost its air force capabilities.
While pilots gain experience in Ukrainian skies and the military builds up its aviation infrastructure, some experts say the initial deliveries could at least help Ukraine bolster its air shield.
“It would provide some air defence capability, also helping to intercept Shaheds (Iranian-made drones) and cruise missiles, although it would be a very expensive way to do it in terms of munitions,” said Justin Bronk, senior research fellow in air power and technology at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI).
Limited pilot training and maintenance
Pilot training will be crucial. “You can have a lot of fast jets, but if they don’t have effective weapons and the crew can’t use them tactically, they’re going to be shot down in large numbers,” said Bronk.
Training Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16s has been a central topic in discussions about the delivery and commitment to purchase more than 70 jets for Ukraine.
By the end of 2024, Ukraine hopes to have at least 20 pilots ready to fly the F-16s, Ustinova said. “It’s hard to sell more planes when there are no people to fly them,” she said, adding that Ukraine will initially have more F-16s than qualified pilots.
“It is not right to have to wait in line for 10 years before our pilots are trained,” she said. A spokesman for the Ukrainian Air Force declined to comment.
US officials have questioned the training for Ukraine, noting that pilots could also be trained in Europe.
Additionally, maintaining the aircraft is an even more pressing challenge than pilot training, Bronk said. He said most repairs and maintenance would have to take place in Ukraine and would likely require foreign contractors with knowledge of the aircraft.
Airbase under threat
Some experts say Russia has stepped up attacks on infrastructure that could be used to maintain and deploy F-16 aircraft.
“Every day, Russia is attacking all potential airfields and F-16 bases, as well as trying to sabotage runways and infrastructure. These attacks have not stopped for at least two months,” said Mr. Kuzan.
As the aircraft, pilots and maintenance crews become more ready for the F-16, these targets will become more vulnerable to Russian targeting, which could force Ukraine to install missile defenses to protect them, despite its lack of both air defenses and ammunition.
Each base will need at least two Patriot missiles and two NASAMS systems for protection, Mr. Kuzan said.
Hoai Phuong (according to Reuters)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/tai-sao-may-bay-f-16-chua-giup-gi-nhieu-cho-ukraine-tren-chien-truong-post305891.html
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