Ukraine is contemplating keeping some of the F-16 fighter jets it expects to receive from Western allies at foreign bases to safeguard them from Russian strikes. A senior Ukrainian military officer, Serhii Holubtsov, head of aviation within Ukraine’s air force, mentioned that some aircraft might be stored at secure air bases outside of Ukraine to avoid being targeted.
Several Western nations, including Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway, have committed to supplying Ukraine with over 60 U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets. Ukrainian pilots are currently undergoing training to operate these warplanes, with deliveries expected to begin later this year. Holubtsov explained that storing aircraft abroad would allow for replacements if any jets are damaged and facilitate the training of Ukrainian pilots outside of Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued warnings about potential strikes on facilities in NATO countries if they host the warplanes used against Russia. He stressed that such bases would be legitimate targets and posed a risk of drawing NATO further into the conflict. Putin has also highlighted the capability of F-16s to carry nuclear weapons, which would be considered in Russia’s combat operations.
The F-16s require high-standard runways and reinforced hangars to protect them from ground attacks. It is uncertain how many Ukrainian air bases meet these requirements, and Russia is likely to target any suitable bases swiftly once the jets arrive.
Holubtsov noted that the F-16s could significantly aid in protecting front-line and border regions from Russian glide bombs, which have caused considerable damage. He expressed hope that the F-16s would push back the aircraft deploying these bombs, achieving at least parity in airspace.
Ukraine’s Western allies are ramping up military support for Kyiv as Russian forces launch attacks along the extensive frontline. The U.S. and other NATO allies have recently permitted Ukraine to use the delivered weapons for limited attacks inside Russia, potentially hindering Moscow’s ability to concentrate its troops for larger offensives near Kharkiv and other border areas.
In response to Western support for Ukraine, Putin has warned that Russia “reserves the right” to arm adversaries of the West globally. He suggested that if Western countries supply weapons to Ukraine, Russia might do the same for adversaries of the West. While he did not specify which adversaries might receive arms, the U.S. has noted Russia’s reliance on North Korea and Iran for weapon supplies. However, Moscow could potentially distribute high-tech missiles to challenge the West if Putin chooses to follow through on his threats.