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Ukraine needs significantly more F-16 aircraft than what has been delivered and promised by its Western allies, The Economist reported on Aug. 4.
A recent study by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) indicates that out of the 79 F-16s promised to Ukraine, at least ten will be two-seat training models. Experts also suggest that some of the remaining F-16s may be in poor technical condition and might only be suitable as sources of spare parts for other aircraft.
The CSIS report states that the declared number of aircraft may be enough for Ukraine to form three or four squadrons. However, to achieve air superiority and support ground forces' offensive operations, Ukraine needs at least 12 squadrons, with approximately 18 F-16s per squadron.
CSIS analyst Seth Jones suggests that Ukraine could compensate for the shortage of F-16s by combining squadrons of these aircraft with domestically produced drones.
First F-16s in Ukraine
Bloomberg reported on July 31 that Ukraine received its first batch of F-16 fighter jets, a claim later confirmed by Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis.
According to The Times, this batch includes the first six F-16s delivered to Ukraine from the Netherlands, with more jets expected to arrive from Denmark soon, sources told The Times.
The Telegraph learned that Ukrainian pilots have already conducted their first combat flights in Ukraine on the F-16s. According to the British newspaper, these aircraft have so far been used as additional air defense assets for Ukraine to protect against Russian strikes.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the arrival of the first F-16 fighters in Ukraine and posted a video on his Telegram channel on Aug. 4.
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