'Ukraine needs a fresh fleet.. Over 4,600 F-16s have been built since production began..'

'If the West acted now, he says, there could be up to 30 F-16s in Ukrainian hands by the end of the year.'

'In theory, fighter jets can substitute for ground-based air defences by shooting down enemy planes, drones and cruise missiles. But Ukraine’s current fleet rarely sees these early enough, says Colonel Ihnat, because of “ancient radar technology”. Poland and Slovakia have delivered around eight MiG-29 jets in recent weeks, but these are similarly limited. Many of the jets are not in flyable condition and are being used for spare parts. Ukraine needs a fresh fleet.

..

He is not coy about what he would rather have: “Ukraine needs F-16s.” Over 4,600 F-16s have been built since production began in the 1970s. Some are still being built in South Carolina and the US Air Force plans to keep its newest models flying until the 2040s. It is the “Toyota Hilux of the combat air world”, says Edward Stringer, a retired air marshal in Britain’s Royal Air Force, nodding to the ubiquitous and hardy pick-up truck. In 2020 the F-16 made up around 30% of fleets among European NATO members, a higher share than any other plane.

..

..“If we had begun this effort last year, modern combat aircraft would already be in Ukrainian hands,” laments David Deptula, dean of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies in Arlington, Virginia, and a former lieutenant-general in the US Air Force. If the West acted now, he says, there could be up to 30 F-16s in Ukrainian hands by the end of the year. “Where there is will, there is a way,” he adds. “Where there is no will, there is no way.” '

- Ukraine’s air force wants new jets, April 23, 2023



Context

Australia’s Mothballed F/A-18 Hornets Should Be Given To Ukraine, April 19, 2023

Liberate Crimea