Ukraine expects to conduct its first sorties using F-16 aircraft later this year, Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, said during a TV interview on Jan. 18.
“The F-16s’ first aerial strike in Ukrainian airspace is on track,” he said. “Pilots are training. Engineers are preparing. Infrastructure is getting ready. The countries that promised F-16s are delivering as committed.”
Read also: Ukrainian Air Force expects first F-16 fighter jets from Denmark in spring, despite rumors of delay
Preparation for the use of these fighter jets is a complex, multi-level process, he said.
“It’s not just switching from one machine to another,” Kuleba said.
“Even the concept of air combat management changes. This transformation is a continuous process that, while time-consuming, remains on track. I believe this year we will witness the first aerial F-16 victories in Ukraine.”
Read also: Ukraine prioritizes F-16s for air force modernization, explores other Western aircraft options
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