Ukraine to Safeguard F-16s at Foreign Bases from Russian Strikes

To protect F-16 fighter jets set to be received from Western allies, Ukraine will store some of them at secure air bases outside its borders. This move aims to shield the aircraft from potential Russian strikes and ensure operational continuity.

Ukraine plans to safeguard a portion of the F-16 fighter jets it expects to receive from its Western allies at foreign air bases to protect them from Russian attacks, a senior Ukrainian military officer announced.

Serhii Holubtsov, head of aviation within Ukraine's air force, revealed that "a certain number of aircraft will be stored at secure air bases outside of Ukraine so that they are not targeted here."

Ukraine's decision stems from the threat posed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has warned that Moscow may consider targeting facilities in NATO countries if they host F-16s used in combat against Russia.

The F-16s, provided by Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway, require a high standard of runways and reinforced hangars for protection against ground attacks. Given the limited number of Ukrainian air bases meeting these requirements, securing F-16s abroad provides an additional layer of safety.

Holubtsov explained that the F-16s stationed outside Ukraine would serve multiple purposes. They could be used to replace damaged aircraft undergoing repairs, provide training opportunities for Ukrainian pilots, and maintain an operational fleet proportionate to the number of trained pilots.

The Western allies' decision to allow Ukraine to use the supplied weapons to carry out limited attacks inside Russia has prompted Putin's threats. He warned that Moscow "reserves the right" to arm adversaries of the West worldwide, potentially providing advanced weaponry to nations hostile to Western interests.

Despite Putin's threats, Ukraine remains determined to bolster its defenses. The F-16s are expected to play a vital role in protecting front-line and border regions from Russian glide bombs, which have caused significant damage to both troops and residential areas.

"I think we will succeed, first of all, in pushing back the aircraft that drop glide bombs farther from the contact line," said Holubtsov. "If we manage to push them back at least another 19-31 miles, this can already be considered a turning point and an achievement."

The U.S. and other NATO allies are providing military support to Ukraine as Russian troops continue their offensive along the extensive frontline. The provision of F-16s and the allowance of limited attacks inside Russia are intended to enhance Ukraine's ability to withstand Russian aggression and potentially shift the balance of power in the ongoing conflict.