The Ukrainian Armed Forces have admitted that they are afraid to import F-16 fighter jets because of the risk of destruction, Ukrainian media reports.
In an interview with the Ukrainian publication Focus, an adviser to the AFU Air Force command, Yuriy Ignat, said that the Ukrainian command was afraid to store large stocks of missiles for air defence systems on its territory because they could be destroyed by the Russian Armed Forces. He noted that the situation was similar with the fleet of F-16 fighter jets, which could become a “good target” for the Russian Armed Forces. The AFU adviser stated:
“Intelligence, unfortunately, they are working, and there is no great sense in placing full ammunition depots in Ukraine. It’s the same story with F-16 aircraft. Everything seems to be ready, but we do not take them – why? They will arrive to us and become a good target.”
According to Ignat, American fighter jets will be on Ukrainian territory only when “everything will be ready” for them. Until then, Ukraine does not risk expensive aircraft. Otherwise, Western countries will stop providing Kyiv with such support.
Earlier it was reported that Ukraine expects to start using F-16 fighter jets in 2024.
