It is not just about weapons: the air forces explained the importance of the F-16 for Ukraine
Existing fighters and missiles turn all the missions for pilots into deadly ones. In Ukraine, professionals are enough for some pilots to study and the other performs combat tasks at this time. Oleshchuk notes that US F-16 will help to strengthen air defense protection. Currently, the air defense efficiency is 75%, the other 25% of missiles reach goals by killing civilians and infrastructure. The F-16 will be able to destroy rockets on the Ukrainian border.
Also in the air forces there are protection against managed aircraft. Russian troops are increasingly used by managed 500 kg airplanes along the front line. There are also signs of preparation of the bomb versions weighing up to 1500 kg. The planes do not enter the area of Ukrainian air defense, and anti-aircraft missile complexes do not get such shells. The F-16 have a rocket in their arsenal with a distance of up to 180 km, which will force Russian planes to move away from the front line.
Another argument in the air forces in favor of the F-16 is ammunition. There are few Soviet missiles, and they are ineffective. Even with enough aircraft and pilots, Ukrainian aviation can be left without a means of damage. The F-16 has a huge arsenal of all modern bombs and rockets. Also Ukrainian aircraft for 40 years. Some planes are twice as old as pilots. To maintain "miga" and "drying" in combat readiness, the spare parts of which are getting smaller in Ukraine and partners.
This is partly solved by "cannibalization", but it cannot last forever, notes Lieutenant General. The commander names two more important points - the advantage in the air, as well as sea control. Now Russian aviation is several times more than Ukrainian, and it is more technological. Therefore, Ukraine lacks strength to fully protect the air space on the front and civilians in the frontline from the daily terror of the invaders.
Currently, Russian ships control the Black Sea space, and the F-16 has anti-ship missiles that could "drive a hostile fleet to the seashore. " Ukraine should ensure the freedom of navigation and protection of grain corridors. We will remind, on April 6 the Ukrainian military got acquainted with the tests of the engine of the fighter F-16. The parties discussed the future preparation of pilots. On April 5, the Armed Forces explained how dangerous Russian winged bombs and how to deal with them.