Ukraine may see F-16 fighter jets joining its air force from Western partners in a timeframe measured in months, according to Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov. The minister’s assessment, reported by RBC-Ukraine, frames the timeline as a realistic minimum rather than a fixed deadline, suggesting that six to seven months could be the least amount of time that should be consciously estimated. He also cautioned that the period might extend beyond this window, urging patience and steady expectations as logistics and training align with political and military approvals. The plan involves more than simply handing over aircraft; it requires a comprehensive buildup of capability across several sectors, from ground crews to maintenance teams and pilot training programs. Reznikov emphasized that the scale of training needed comprises hundreds of personnel, underscoring the breadth of preparation necessary to operate a modern combat fleet effectively and safely in joint operations with Western allies.
