Ukraine hopes to receive first F-16 in fall, - Washington Post
Ukraine hopes to receive F-16 multi-purpose fighters in the fall of 2023.
This was announced by the adviser to the Ministry of Defense, Yuri Sak, in a comment for the Washington Post intended for a Western audience, Censor.NET reports with reference to LigaBusinessInform.
"If we all make every effort... and decisions are made quickly, I believe that at the end of September - beginning of October, we will be able to see the first F-16s flying in the airspace of Ukraine," Sack said.
WP emphasized the "dizzying speed" with which decisions are made regarding the supply of Western aircraft to Ukraine.
The US reportedly has more than 1,000 F-16 fighter jets and about the same number have been sold to allies and partners around the world.
WP notes that the decision to supply Kiev with Western fighter jets comes amid fears that Ukraine's counteroffensive may not deliver such a crushing blow to the Russian occupiers as many had hoped.
"Despite Ukraine's courageous resistance during the winter and spring, many officials in Washington and Western capitals are concerned that the war will continue this year and possibly beyond," the article says.
It will be recalled that on May 16, Sack said that Ukraine wants to receive 40 to 50 F-16 fighters from Western partners.
