Sharp noted that it would take years to create a Western-style air force in Ukraine.
Air dominance is a very important component of achieving victory in the war unleashed against our country by Russia. To change the situation on the battlefield, more than 100 aircraft will be needed.
This opinion was expressed on Channel 24 by military observer from Israel David Sharp. He noted that it would take years to create a Western-style Air Force in Ukraine. We are talking not only about the aircraft themselves, but also about other possibilities.
For example, for the full functioning of aviation, Ukraine also needs long-range radar tracking aircraft. Such aircraft make it possible to detect and classify enemy targets and direct their own aircraft at them. In addition, we are talking about tanker aircraft, ground infrastructure and the like.
“In order for the Ukrainian air force to change the situation and facilitate progress on the ground, more than 100 aircraft are probably needed. It is desirable that at least one squadron of them be a new modification of the F-16,” the expert noted.
The creation of such a powerful mechanism in the air also requires political steps from Western countries. At the same time, Sharp emphasized that the development of the Air Force is a long process, because training personnel and pilots will take some time.
“This is not fantasy, but a plan for many years to come. The main thing is to start, and Ukraine has already done this. The most difficult step in the right direction has been completed,” the military observer stated.
F-16 aircraft for Ukraine: latest news
On December 22, 2023, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky announced that the Netherlands had begun preparations for the transfer of 18 F-16 aircraft to Ukraine. He made this statement following a conversation with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.
Subsequently, analysts at the Institute for the Study of War suggested that the first Western F-16 fighters could arrive in Ukraine within a week – that is, before the end of 2023.
