Ukraine needs 128 foreign jet fighters to gain air superiority – Air Force

Ukraine's Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat says the troops need 128 foreign warplanes to gain air superiority and lead a dynamic counteroffensive.

As for now, Ukraine's allies pledged to send 42 jets, which is approximately four aviation brigades.

We rely on this figure. It is clear that the war can make its own adjustments, but more than 100 aircraft are necessary to place them all over the airfields, so that they commit to different challenges and strike at various targets, says the spokesperson.

These fighters are multi-purpose, meaning they can hit aircraft, ground targets, and deeply hidden logistics.

Ukrainian pilots went on F-16s training in two European countries. Those who graduated from the aviation university in 2023 arrived in the UK, while more experienced pilots joined Swedish training courses that require vast knowledge and combat experience.

F-16s for Ukraine

The issue of providing Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets was previously brought up at a Ramstein defense-related summit in June.

After the meeting, Ukraine's partners pledged to approve a training program for the pilots, engineers, and technicians on F-16 fighter jets, with the training taking place in a specially created center in a European country.

The prime ministers of the Netherlands and Great Britain, Mark Rutte and Rishi Sunak, agreed to work on forming an international coalition of fighter jets for Ukraine. Denmark announced it had joined the coalition too.

The US has approved the transfer of training equipment for F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine at Denmark's request, which should bring the start of training for pilots on these aircraft closer.

The Netherlands and Denmark have greenlighted the delivery of F-16 fighters to Ukraine after Ukrainian pilots complete their training.

Sooner, Ukraine's allies reached an agreement to provide 42 F-16 fighter jets.