Ukraine tries to weaken Russian air defense before receiving F-16 fighters-isw

Analysts believe that the Ukrainian armed forces will probably be able to move to the support of land operations over time, provided that the Ukrainian soldiers receive enough fighters. Ukrainian troops are making efforts to weaken Russian air defense, as it can allow Ukraine to use piloted aviation more efficiently, including F-16 aircraft. This is stated in the report of the American Institute of War Study (ISW) of 12 June 2024.

"Ukrainian troops are likely to try to weaken Russian air defense on the eve of the expected supply of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, which is reported, will begin in small quantities in the summer and fall of 2024 in the fall," the report reads.

Analysts believe that Ukrainian armed forces will probably be able to move to land operations over time, provided that the Ukrainian soldiers receive enough fighter jets, Western partners will prepare a sufficient number of qualified pilots and if Ukraine manages to weaken Russian air defense.

The Institute of War Study emphasized that in geolocation, published on June 12, the C-300 Russian remedies were visible and destroyed north of the occupied Evpatoria and the Russian radar system C-400 south of the occupied Dzhanko-so confirms the Ukrainian General Stock. June about Russian air defense in these areas.

It is reported that the destruction of Russian air defense systems in the Belgorod region prompted the Russian command to transfer the means of air defense from Crimea to this territory, which in turn worse air defense on the temporarily occupied peninsula.

At the same time, ISW emphasized that it would take a considerable time to properly prepare a sufficient number of Ukrainian pilots and equip the Ukrainian Armed Forces at least 150 F-16 aircraft needed to gain preference in the air and to support ground operations.

"Ukrainian officials also determined that they plan to use F-16 and other planes to limit the actions of Russian aviation, and the spokesman of the PS of Ukraine Ilya Yevlash noted that only two F-16 squadles-approximately 18 aircraft-it would be enough to significantly affect The situation in the Ukrainian airspace, "analysts said.