Ukraine hostage to "escalation management" regarding F-16 deliveries - aviation expert

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

"In my opinion,In my view, the F-16s are likely to arrive in October-November due to pilot training constraints. With only 20 pilots in training, we cannot immediately operate 24 aircraft. Initially, we expect 6 aircraft, followed by another 6 to form a squadron. Later on, we might aim for a squadron similar to the American model with 18 aircraft. In my opinion, this is all we can get this year. Why is the delivery of F-16s not as quick? Rather, it has to do with Mr. Sullivan's (US National Security Advisor - ed.) 'escalation management,' who believes that it is not yet time for us, that we are running too fast," the aviation expert commented.

According to him, this concept was developed during Obama's presidency (2009-2017), and its outcomes are well-documented. The situation with Ukraine not receiving Swedish Gripen aircraft mirrors this, as having Gripen would eliminate the uncertainty surrounding the delay in receiving F-16s.

"So, unfortunately, we are now hostage to this so-called escalation management. That is why we need to have as many of our weapons, drones, missiles as possible to show Mr. Sullivan that escalation can be managed on our part. Regarding the use of F-16 aircraft on the combat line, an ensemble of pilots, technicians and airfield workers must first be put into operation," said Kryvolap.

• On July 10, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Denmark and the Netherlands have already begun the process of transferring F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.
• Valeriy Riabykh, Development Director of Defense Express, an information and consulting company, believes the first F-16s will be delivered to Ukraine by the end of this summer.