Ukrainian authorities are looking to receive 150 combat aircraft from Western partners, which would allow the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) to replace their Soviet-made equipment. This was announced by Yuriy Ignat, a representative of the Air Force of the UAF, during an interview on the “Rada” TV channel.
“We are talking about 150 [aircraft], plus training aircraft – that’s the ultimate goal, when we fully replace the fleet of Soviet-made equipment,” said Ignat, responding to a question about how many aircraft the Ukrainian Air Force could receive from Western countries.
According to Ignat, the main combat aircraft that the UAF is expecting to receive is the American F-16 fighter.
The representative of the Ukrainian Air Force also noted that Kyiv is in consultation with Stockholm regarding the transfer of Swedish JAS 39 fighters.
Earlier, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustam Umerov mentioned negotiations for the delivery of Western aircraft to the Ukrainian Air Force. According to him, the supply of F-16 fighters is expected in the near future.
Umerov explained that discussions are underway for not only American F-16s, but also any other aircraft to be supplied to the Ukrainian Air Force.
Previously, a former American intelligence officer referred to F-16 fighters as traps for pilots.
