US Air Force (Air Force) Commander James Hecker said that US F-16 warplanes will provide new capabilities to the Ukrainian Air Force, but should not be expected to penetrate Russia’s strong air defenses. His words drive the news portal business insider.
“F-16s will not be ‘silver bullets’ for Ukraine,” the military said.
According to Hecker, the Russian Armed Forces will adapt to the appearance of fighters and will be able to cope with them due to the rapid adaptation of Russian troops to modern types of weapons supplied to Ukraine.
He also predicted disappointment for those who relied on the success of the APU after receiving the F-16 from the United States. The commander of the US Air Force explained that it was impossible for these fighters to get close enough to the target, as they could be shot down by a Russian surface-to-air missile.
The day before Hecker declarationthat the first American F-16 fighter jets may appear in Ukraine next year, but their development at a sufficiently high level will take up to five years due to the inexperience of local personnel.
Previously in NATO in your name Condition for the transfer of the F-16 to Ukraine.