Limited by shortage of trained pilots, Ukraine to deploy only 10 F-16s in 2024 - media

The New York Times reports.

"Ukraine is hoping the F-16s, which come with powerful electronic warfare systems and an array of other weapons, can be used in coordination with other Western weapons like Patriot air-defense systems to expand the area deemed too dangerous for Russian pilots to fly. They also hope the jets will add another layer of protection for Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure from relentless missile and drone attacks," the article reads.

However, experts warn that the "immediate impact" of the F-16 aircraft will be limited by the lack of trained pilots. U.S. officials expect that 20 pilots will be ready this year after training in the Netherlands, the United States, and Denmark.

Typically, two pilots are needed for each aircraft for rest and training. As a result, Ukraine will be able to deploy about 10 F-16 fighters in 2024.

Maintenance is also crucial, The New York Times notes.

“It’s not just the pilots you have to have,” Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and a longtime F-16 pilot, said. “Maintenance is also a key part of that, and training the maintainers.

• On April 29, Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Illia Yevlash said that Ukraine is preparing a set of measures to protect F-16 fighter jets while they are at airfields.

• On July 10, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the Ukrainian Armed Forces need at least 128 F-16 fighter jets to balance the aerial power between Ukraine and Russia.

• On the same day, Norway decided to transfer six F-16 aircraft to Ukraine. According to Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, the delivery of these jets will take place within this year.