Ukraine will not receive F-16 jets this autumn or winter – Air Force spox

Ukraine will not be able to receive F-16 fighter jets from the allies in the coming autumn or winter, so it is necessary to strengthen air defense now.

Yuriy Ihnat, the spokesman for the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said this during the United News telethon.

According to him, F-16 jets should not be expected in Ukraine in the coming autumn or winter.

"It is already obvious that we will not be able to protect Ukraine with F-16 jets this autumn and winter," Ihnat stressed.

The Air Force spokesman noted that many hopes were placed on these aircraft. And all because they should have become part of air defense. The F-16s were supposed to help protect Ukraine from Russian missile and drone attacks.

"However, the issue has moved from place. We understand that our pilots will be trained in the near future. But at the same time, our air defense needs to be strengthened," the Air Force spokesman added.

As reported, the media reported last week the readiness of the first group of eight Ukrainian pilots for training on American F-16s.