Ukraine to Station Some F-16 Jets Abroad to Avoid Russian Strikes, Western Allies Confirm on Monday

Jun 10, 2024, 12:00 PM

Ukraine is set to receive F-16 fighter jets from Western allies, with some of these aircraft to be stationed at secure airbases outside the country. This measure aims to protect the jets from becoming targets for Russian strikes. Serhii Holubtsov, head of aviation for the Ukrainian Air Force Command, confirmed to Radio Liberty that the F-16s will be stored at safe airbases, not in Ukraine, to ensure they remain operational. Additionally, at least two more Patriot batteries are required to protect Ukrainian airfields. Russian officials, including State Duma Defence Committee Chairman Andrei Kartapolov, have stated that foreign airbases hosting these jets could become targets if the aircraft participate in combat missions. The announcement was made on Monday.