Ukraine has begun the process of preparing runways to receive F-16 aircraft that will be provided to the country by allies, Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ignat said during a telethon.
According to Ignat, Ukraine is not building new infrastructure specifically to accommodate these aircraft. Instead, it is in the process of adapting existing airfields to provide the necessary conditions for operating the F-16.
“We can hardly afford to build an infrastructure from scratch like the one in leading Western countries. Because there are intensive hostilities, the enemy will not allow global construction. Airfields are constantly being shelled, including with ballistic missiles. Therefore, in fact, in our version, this is the preparation and adaptation of our airports, operational airfields to receive F-16 aircraft. And this preparation is ongoing. At what stage and what else is needed, no one will say,” Ignat noted.
In addition, he said that the adaptation involves preparing runways so that F-16 aircraft can land and take off freely while performing missions.
"We have many of them, but those from which the F-16 will operate will be determined. The preparation of parking lots for these aircraft is also ongoing, as it is now, this will be done through dispersal, camouflage, etc. There are other subtle nuances, such as control, means of communication, etc. This is what adaptation consists of, so that we can use these aircraft from our airfields," Ignat explained.
He also mentioned that these aircraft had previously operated from Ukrainian airfields, so there should be no problems with their adaptation.
“These aircraft have previously operated from Ukrainian airfields, these are F-15 and F-16, this was in 2012 and 2018, respectively. The current runways are covered with reinforced concrete slabs, so there are no questions about whether these aircraft will be able to take off from our airfields or not. They will operate in the same way as they did several years ago,” Ignat said.
The F-16s are part of a strategic partnership with allies to enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities and counter the enemy in the region. These aircraft can, in particular, be used to protect airspace and conduct joint military exercises.
Work is currently underway to adapt the airfields to ensure their suitability for receiving and servicing F-16 aircraft. This process includes the reconstruction of runways, preparation of technical conditions and provision of the necessary infrastructure.
