Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets are among the most effective means of countering Russian jet-powered drones, but the exceptionally high tempo of operations is wearing down the aircraft, making support from Ukraine’s partners critically important.
Colonel Yurii Cherevashenko, Deputy Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force responsible for air defence, said this at a meeting of the Verkhovna Rada’s Temporary Investigative Commission.
Asked whether Ukrainian aircraft, particularly F-16s, were being actively used against Russian jet-powered drones, Cherevashenko said:
“The F-16 is one of the most effective means of countering jet-powered UAVs.”
Asked whether maintenance and the limited service life of the aircraft were the main challenges facing the F-16 fleet, he confirmed this, explaining that aircraft have a finite operational lifespan and that Ukraine is using its jets at an exceptionally high tempo.
“Keeping the aircraft constantly combat-ready is therefore extremely demanding work. This is where assistance from our partners is critically important,” the deputy commander said.
Asked whether Russian jet-powered drones were being destroyed directly at their bases and launch sites, Cherevashenko said:
“The best option is generally to destroy them at their bases and launch sites, the so-called ‘drone ports’. Several such strikes have already taken place. But these are heavily fortified facilities reinforced with concrete, so they are not easy to strike. This is one of the important elements of countering jet-powered UAVs.”
