Military International Relations News

"Ukraine Plans Limited Deployment of F-16s in July"

Ukraine's plan to deploy F-16 fighter jets faces delays as only a few pilots are ready for combat by this summer, despite promises from European allies to supply about 45 of the jets. The training of Ukrainian pilots on the sophisticated Western jets has been moving more slowly than anticipated, with language skills and knowledge of Western flying techniques posing challenges. The delay comes as Russia intensifies its air support in eastern Ukraine, prompting a desperate need for more weapons and ammunition. While the F-16s are highly anticipated, uncertainty remains about delivery dates, training, and maintenance, with the need to repair Ukraine's military runways further complicating the jets' entry into the war.