The first F-16s delivered to Ukraine will defend Kharkiv

The first F-16s are likely to arrive in Ukraine in the summer. The fighter jets are expected to defend Kharkiv from Russian strikes.

This was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to The Guardian.

The publication quoted the commander of the Dutch Air Force, General Arnoud Stolmann, who expects the first F-16 fighters to take to the skies over Ukraine this summer.

"Everything is lined up for this summer," he said.

According to The Guardian, the Netherlands has launched a program to train Ukrainian instructors in aircraft maintenance. The general noted that it is important to train not only pilots, but also engineers who will be responsible for maintaining the aircraft in the future.

Ukraine has been waiting for months to start using the fighter jets and hopes that their introduction will change the dynamics of the war and force Russia to suspend its attacks in the border regions. Experts believe that the Ukrainian military will be able to use the F-16 against Russian aircraft that launch guided bombs from a distance of 50 to 70 kilometers.

"In recent weeks, Russia has been widely using guided bombs against the city of Kharkiv, launching bombs from aircraft that remain in Russian airspace. Numerous Ukrainian sources have reported that F-16s will defend Ukraine's second city from these weapons," the article says.

The Guardian reminds that the Netherlands and Denmark have allowed Ukraine to use F-16s against Russian aircraft, even if they are in Russian airspace.

Author - Serhii Kolomiets, 20/06/2024