Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the first F-16 fighter jets from Nato member states for over a year and a half. These jets are seen as crucial in helping Ukraine push back against Russia’s aerial dominance and “unblock the skies.”
However, as the arrival of the F-16s draws near, concerns are growing about the safety of these valuable aircraft. Russian forces have been targeting Ukrainian military airfields, with several attacks reported in July alone. Moscow claims to have already destroyed Ukrainian fighter jets and air defense systems.
Despite the imminent arrival of the F-16s, there are fears that there may not be enough protection for them on the ground. Ukrainian air bases have been employing dispersed operations to avoid being targeted, but this may not be sufficient to safeguard the F-16s.
The F-16s are expected to significantly bolster Ukraine’s air defenses, but there are challenges ahead. Improving infrastructure at existing bases could make them more vulnerable to Russian surveillance, and there is a shortage of Patriot defense systems and missiles to protect the skies.
While the F-16s are not expected to single-handedly turn the tide of the war, they are anticipated to have a significant impact in both ground and air attacks. The key question remains whether there will be enough of these aircraft and whether they can be adequately protected on the ground.
