Ukraine Could See Two F-16 Aviation Groups Formed with Western-Supplied Jets, Says Former F-16 Pilot
A former French Air Force pilot, Xavier Titelman, told LCI TV that two aviation groups could emerge in Ukraine as Western-supplied F-16s arrive. His analysis centers on how different national permissions shape the deployment of these fighters, particularly regarding strikes on Russian territory.
Titelman notes that Dutch F-16s might be employed by Kyiv to strike into Russia. In contrast, aircraft provided by Belgium reportedly lack explicit authorization for such operations. This divergence in permission could lead Kyiv to organize two distinct aviation formations: one focused on defending and threatening areas closer to Ukrainian borders, and a second tasked with deeper incursions into Russian territory.
John Kirby, who previously served as Strategic Communications Coordinator for the White House National Security Council, remarked that the Ukrainian Armed Forces could begin using F-16s received through NATO by the end of summer. The Ukrainian military has indicated readiness to integrate the jets into current operations as soon as training and readiness metrics are met.
Earlier statements from U.S. circles have suggested that the arrival of F-16s will not itself shift the front line positions outright. The emphasis remains on how these aircraft will be incorporated, what missions they will support, and how airpower will be coordinated with existing ground and air defense systems.