Ukraine won’t obtain its first batch of F-16 fighters in 2023, admitted Ukrainian Air Pressure spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat on nationwide tv on Dec. 23.
Ukraine’s associate international locations are at present making ready the primary batch of fighter jets for supply.
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“Every part goes in response to plan, as stipulated by the agreements with our companions throughout the established coalition,” mentioned Ihnat.
“They’re serving to us to modify to a brand new sort of plane for us – the F-16.”
The F-16s that Ukraine will obtain will likely be modified. The international locations which have these fighters in service have been bettering them “to the most effective of their means,” Ihnat added.
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“The modifications are divided into so-called blocks,” mentioned the Air Pressure spokesman.
“They encompass blocks 15, 20, 30, and as much as 70. Every plane was improved to the most effective of the nation’s means as a result of modernization just isn’t a straightforward course of. A certain quantity of onboard gear is being changed, primarily radar (onboard radar station), which permits us to see the enemy from afar and monitor extra air targets.”
The F-16 represents a step in the direction of the modernization of Ukraine’s navy aviation as an entire, Ihnat mentioned.
“The step in the direction of the F-16 is not only a step in the direction of this mannequin,” he added.
“In the long term, if our pilots, our total base, airfield infrastructure, engineers, and floor workers are prepared to completely function the sort of plane, then we are able to already dream of extra trendy fashions.”
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte mentioned throughout a phone dialog with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Dec. 22 that his authorities had determined to start preparations to ship the primary 18 F-16 fighters to Ukraine.
In August, the Netherlands, together with Denmark, promised to supply Ukraine with 61 plane, with 42 and 19 warplanes coming from every nation, respectively. Later, Norway confirmed its intention to produce F-16s. Belgium can even present Ukraine with F-16s beginning in 2025.
International Minister Dmytro Kuleba mentioned that Ukraine might obtain its first F-16s within the first half of 2024.
Learn additionally: Ukrainian commander Zaluzhnyi making ready main 2024 counteroffensive
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