Ukraine calls for 200 aircraft to bolster defense against Russia

Colonel Yuriy Ignat, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force, emphasised in a conversation with "Ukrainska Pravda" that Ukraine needs about 200 aircraft of various types to effectively defend against Russia. He highlighted the F-16, which is a multi-role aircraft capable of operating both in the air and on land and water.

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 recalls that in the 1990s, Ukraine had a thousand aviation units. Many of them were from the Soviet era, which maintained significant air forces on Ukrainian territory, including strategic bombers. Now, however, Ukrainians are focusing on modernisation and modern machines.

The F-16 fighters delivered to Ukraine so far are machines that can reach speeds up to about 2,500 km/h, providing them with great mobility. It is worth noting that the mass of these aircraft is around 8,200 kg, contributing to their exceptional manoeuvrability. American F-16 fighters are valued for their excellent agility, making them highly effective in combat operations.

The F-16 is equipped with ammunition that can be mounted on weapon stations located under the fuselage. Various types of guided missiles such as the AGM-65 Maverick or AIM-120 AMRAAM, as well as bombs, can be placed on these stations. The F-16 is capable of ascending to an altitude of up to 15,000 metres. Its standard range is 3,200 km, but with additional fuel tanks, it can be increased by an additional 1,000 km.