Ukraine needs more F-16s to strengthen air defence and conduct more combat missions — ISW

The Ukrainian Air Force needs a much larger number of F-16 fighters to expand and strengthen its air defense system.

This is stated in a report by the Institute for the Study of War.

The report reminded that on 4 August, official Kyiv announced that Ukraine had received the first batch of F-16 fighters.

However, according to the report, the amount received is not enough to achieve a tangible result in protecting the country from air attacks or effective participation in combat missions.

According to analysts, Ukraine will need a much larger number of F-16s to integrate the aircraft and expand its air defense umbrella.

«In addition, to make the F-16s safer and eliminate the risk of enemy engagement, the Air Force should also regularly destroy air defense systems in the Russian rear and temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine with long-range weapons provided by the West», — the ISW report says.