Most of the F-16 fighters that Ukraine receives from its partners work in the air defense role. This was stated by military expert, former spokesman for the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Colonel Vladislav Seleznyov to Radio NV.
„When we talk about the use of F-16 on the battlefield, for example, to combat Russian aviation, there is a problem here. The F-16 is not as effective in terms of tactical and technical characteristics as the Russian Su-57 or other modifications. We must admit this. But for us, the F-16 is an auxiliary for performing tasks in the air defense system“, said Seleznyov.
He also added that Western F-16 fighters in Ukraine have repeatedly demonstrated their effectiveness against Russian cruise missiles and drones. However, the expert noted that to close the entire sky, Ukraine needs a significantly larger number of aircraft.
“Zelensky said some time ago that we need at least 130 F-16s or European analogues. Of course, we do not have such resources, so we use the available resources”, said the Ukrainian military expert.
Ukraine announced last month that it had received the first delivery of "Mirage 2000" aircraft from France, as well as American F-16 fighters from the Netherlands, as European allies seek to strengthen Kiev's position in the war with Russia.