‘Very effective’: Zelenskyy on current F-16 tasks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on
international partners to be “more active” in providing air defense systems and
emphasized the need for a much stronger fleet of F-16s.
In his statement on Sept. 6, during the Ukraine Defense
Contact Group meeting at NATO’s Ramstein Air Base in Germany, Zelenskyy noted
that many air defense systems agreed upon had not yet been delivered.
According to the Ukrainian leader, this shortfall reflects
agreements that were made but “not fully implemented.”
Zelenskyy stressed that there are enough air defense systems
in the world to prevent Russian terror from succeeding, urging partners to “be
more active in working with us on air defense.”
The president also revealed that Ukraine is already
operating F-16s.
“They are shooting down missiles and drones; they are very
effective, but there are too few of them. You know this. We need a much
stronger fleet of F-16s, and I have proposals to make when the press leaves,”
Zelenskyy said.
Key points on F-16s in Ukraine
On Aug. 4, during the 20th anniversary of the Ukrainian Air
Force, Zelenskyy confirmed the delivery of F-16s.
Several F-16 fighters, alongside MiG-29 and Su-27 aircraft,
flew over Ukrainian skies during a ceremony honoring soldiers.
Experts from the Defense Express portal observed that the
F-16s showcased on Aug. 4 were equipped with two types of air-to-air missiles:
- AIM-9, infrared-guided, designed for close-range targets
- AIM-120, radar-guided, for medium and long-range engagements.
Forbes journalists also reported that the F-16s used by
Ukraine were fitted with specific pylons on the midsection of the wings, which
included integrated electronic warfare systems like PIDS and ECIPS for
self-defense.
Experts from the Mil.in.ua portal explained that these are
Terma PIDS+ pylons, equipped with missile approach warning systems.
According to The Economist, Ukraine has received 10 of the
79 promised jets, and by the end of 2024, Ukrainian forces are expected to have
access to 20 F-16 fighters.
However, The New York Times reported that Ukraine will
likely be able to deploy no more than 10 F-16s in combat this year.
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