Ukraine has received partially disassembled F-16 fighters from the United States, but they were unusable for flights or combat use-only for spare parts. On May 1, the analytical edition of The War Zone , referring to the photos and comments of the US Air Force.
The loading of partially dismantled F-16 on the Ukrainian transport aircraft An-124 Ruslan in Arizona published in the network. The destination indicated Poland, from where the components will probably be transported further to Ukraine.
Analysts turned to the US Air Force, where they were confirmed: these planes were indeed transferred to the Ukrainian side, but only as a source of spare parts.
"The Ministry of Air Force has supported the initiative of European partners to transfer the F-16 to Ukraine, providing for this written off and completely disabled fighter jets, removed from active use,"-said.
According to the US military, this F-16 lacks key elements such as engines, radars and other critical systems without which they cannot fly.
Analysts have tried to identify specific fighter models by published pictures. However, most aircraft in the photo were wrapped in a protective coating, which made it impossible to determine the exact definition. The only thing that has been assumed is the presence of old-type IFF antennas that indicate that it is likely to be outdated F-16 modifications.
In early April, General Christopher Cavoli, NATO Supreme Commander in Europe, stated the future transfer of new F-16 Ukraine. However, it is unknown whether it was referred to these samples, whether it was about other planes that could potentially be combat.
