Ukraine needs 128 fighter jets to replace old fleet and gain air superiority – Ihnat
This was stated by the spokesman for the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Yuriy Ihnat on Radio Liberty. According to him, this number is prescribed in the vision of the Air Force model adopted in 2020.
“We are relying on this number. It is clear that the war can make its own adjustments, but more than 100 aircraft are really needed to disperse them to different airfields so that they can respond to different challenges and strike at different targets. Both at the enemy’s aircraft and ground targets,” said the Air Force spokesman.
Ihnat added that Ukrainian pilots have already gone abroad to train on Western fighter jets. The graduates of 2023 will study in the UK, while experienced pilots will take a training course in Sweden.
“The basic training is a Western-made light aircraft, followed by a jet and independent flights on the F-16. This program takes up to two years, but our people can surprise and complete the training faster,” Ihnat summarized.
On August 20, the Netherlands announced that it was ready to send F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. In turn, Denmark will be able to provide 19 aircraft, six of which will be delivered by the end of the year.
