Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov outlined Kyiv’s aerial ambitions, indicating that the country would benefit from roughly 120 combat aircraft, with a strong emphasis on American F-16s. The remark reflects his view that a substantial air fleet is needed to bolster Ukraine’s defense and deterrence posture in the face of ongoing tensions. In discussions summarized by the Funke media group, Reznikov stressed that the majority of these fighters should be F-16s, highlighting the model’s global presence and reliability as a cornerstone of Ukraine’s future air power.
The minister also identified Eurofighter Typhoon and Swedish Gripen as critical supplementary capabilities that could significantly enhance Ukraine’s air force. He suggested that European platforms could complement Western-provided assistance by offering advanced sensing, maneuverability, and interoperability with allied systems. Reznikov further expressed hope that Germany would contribute by delivering the Eurofighter and Tornado aircraft, with supportive roles anticipated from the United Kingdom and other partners. He also indicated that Berlin would participate in pilot training to ensure Ukrainian crews could operate these aircraft effectively, underscoring a broader, coalition-based approach to capability development.
On delivery timelines, Reznikov asserted optimism that the first F-16s would reach Kyiv by year-end, subject to logistical and political considerations. He explained that the pilot training cycle for F-16s typically spans four to six months, depending on prior experience and language requirements, while training engineers, technicians, and maintenance crews could take up to an additional six months. This cadence reflects the comprehensive preparation needed to integrate a new generation of fighters into Ukraine’s defense infrastructure, including maintenance pipelines, mission preparation procedures, and support networks across allied bases.
The defense minister also reiterated Kyiv’s defensive stance, emphasizing that Ukraine has no intention to invade Russian territory and remains focused on protecting its sovereign borders and civilian populations. This clarification aligns with official international messaging about objectives and restraint in a highly volatile regional context.
Earlier reports from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense indicated that the country would require 48 F-16s to restore full control over contested regions. This assessment underscores the strategic calculus behind expanding air power, balancing fleet modernization with geographic and logistical realities, and ensuring sufficient capacity for rapid response, air cover, and persistent reconnaissance. The figures reflect the ongoing debate among policymakers, partners, and defence planners about optimal force composition and the sequencing of acquisitions in a protracted security environment.