Providing Ukraine with modern F-16 fighter jets will help ensure the air superiority over the occupied territories. There is no significant infrastructure issue for such aircraft types in Ukraine, according to Yuriy Ignat, the spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force.
"While we won't win the war immediately, the F-16 is capable of altering the course of events, providing what we need the most today – air superiority over the occupied territories. At this moment, there are approximately 8-9 Russian fighter jets freely operating in these areas, releasing guided bombs and launching missiles. With the F-16, they won't be able to carry out such actions. Air superiority is the key to success on the ground," he stated during a national telethon.
Ignat pointed out that there is no significant infrastructure problem for modern Western fighter jets in Ukraine. Most military airfields have runways made of concrete slabs, and although there are seams that need to be smoothed out, there are no major issues if these runways are properly prepared. However, he also noted that the F-16 faces a challenge with its low-positioned air intake, which could potentially ingest foreign objects. This requires careful attention and monitoring.
However, he emphasized that during times of war, apart from maintaining proper runways and cleanliness, a different kind of logistics is needed.
"In other words, infrastructure that, in the conditions of combat, will safeguard our aircraft and do everything to prevent the enemy from destroying the planes at our airfields," noted Ignat.
