"They can work with different types of weapons": Air Force spokesman explains why Ukraine needs F-16 fighter jets

It was reported by Yuriy Ihnat, the spokesman of the Air Force Command of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, at a briefing on January 27.

"This (the transfer of the F-16 fighters) would immensely help Ukraine to win the war and de-occupy our lands. How long it will take we cannot say precisely, since it can require a lot of time in terms of pilot and aviation engineers training, and in times of war we cannot afford wasting time," he said and noted that, in theory, pilots can manage to master these aircraft in a few weeks but practice is an entirely different thing: that is, taking off, landing and fighting. 

"Pilots also should learn how to use all types of weapons that F-16 has to offer – this aircraft can attack targets with various types of weaponry (bombs, missiles, etc.), and can also act as a part of the air defense system, protecting the sky from air raids. Therefore, this type of multi-purpose aircraft, commonly used worldwide, could be the best candidate for our Air Forces," Ihnat explained.

He reminded that Ukraine currently has four types of aircraft in service: Su-27 and MiG-29 (fighters), Su-25 (attack aircraft) and Su-24 (bomber).

"But F-16 fighters can combine and perform all the functions of the four aforementioned ones. That is why we are currently paying more attention to it and its possible delivery to Ukraine," the spokesman emphasized.

• On January 26, the Politico reported that Ukraine's international partners had started a debate on the supply of modern fighter jets for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.