Ukraine to expand corridor for merchant ships in the Black Sea with F-16s

The delivery of US-made F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, which is expected to take place in the near future, will deprive Russia of its air superiority over the Black Sea.

This was stated by the Commander of the Ukrainian Navy, Vice Admiral Oleksiy Neizhpapa, RBC-Ukraine reports citing his interview with Reuters.

"F-16s with appropriate weapons will be able to push back Russian military aircraft. The northwestern part of the Black Sea, especially the corridor for civilian ships, will be almost 100% protected," he said.

According to Neizvestnik, taking into account the attacks and strikes by maritime drones, Russian warships do not enter the northwestern part of the Black Sea, which covers an area of almost 25,000 square kilometers.

He added that Ukraine would like to expand its shipping corridor, which only covers shipping from the three main Odesa ports, to include the ports of Mykolaiv and Kherson, but this is not possible. He cited Russia's control of the Kinburn Spit, which runs along this route.

In some areas, he said, civilian vessels are escorted by patrol boats to help provide mine protection, and air defense assets provide cover for both ports and corridors.

Author - Dmitriy Levchenko, 05/07/2024