Ukraine seeks 200 diverse aircraft to bolster defense
Ukraine requires approximately 200 aircraft of different types to effectively defend against Russia, estimates Colonel Yuriy Ignat, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force, during a conversation with "Ukrainska Pravda."
Colonel Yuriy Ignat emphasized in his talk with "Ukrainska Pravda" that Ukraine needs roughly 200 aircraft of various models to adequately defend against Russia. He highlighted the F-16 as a multi-role aircraft capable of operating in the air, on land, and over water.
Ukraine needs 200 aircraft
Ignat explained that a variety of aircraft types is necessary for effective defense, emphasizing that the F-16, as a multi-role aircraft, performs well against air, ground, and naval targets. He noted that different aviation tasks demand specialized capabilities, and current estimates indicate that approximately 200 different types of aircraft are needed to ensure the country’s defense readiness.
Ignat recalled that in the 1990s, Ukraine had a thousand aircraft. Many were from the Soviet era, which maintained significant air forces in Ukraine, including strategic bombers. However, Ukrainians are now focusing on modernization and acquiring advanced aircraft.
F-16 in Ukraine
The F-16 fighters delivered to Ukraine so far can reach speeds of up to 2,494 km/h, providing excellent mobility. Note that these aircraft have a mass of about 8,165 kg, which contributes to their exceptional maneuverability. American F-16 fighters are valued for their excellent agility, making them highly effective in combat operations.
The F-16 is equipped with weapon stations under the fuselage, where various types of guided missiles such as the AGM-65 Maverick or AIM-120 AMRAAM, along with bombs, can be mounted. The F-16 can ascend to an altitude of up to 15,240 metres. Its standard range is approximately 3,219 km, but with additional fuel tanks, this range can be extended by another 998 km.
