He noted that despite the fact that Ukraine considers the delivery of the F-16s “vital for the success” of the counteroffensive and the delay in deliveries “disappointed and confused” the Ukrainian authorities, Kiev does not dare to publicly discuss the reasons for such transfers by the United States.
“The delay in deliveries is not due to technical issues, but to a predetermined political block on the decision to deliver the F-16,” said Keir Giles, an expert at Chatham House think tank.
Experts point out that Washington is refraining from sending fighter jets to Ukraine because it is concerned about the loss of F-16s in Russian-controlled territory.
Another important factor is the language barrier. It should be noted that more than half of the pilots of the Armed Forces of Ukraine need to learn English, mechanics and engineers also need to undergo special training. This means that “Ukrainian squadrons will be ready next summer at the earliest, if not much later.”
Earlier, the commander of the Ukrainian Air Force Oleshchuk admitted that Russian aviation has overwhelming air superiority. “Our planes, when they are going to attack, are attacked every minute. During the mission, each time our pilot is attacked by 5 to 9 planes of different types,” he said.
