The editor-in-chief of Defense Express, Oleg Katkov, talked about the long program of providing F-16 aircraft to Ukraine, predicting that this process could take several years.
On the air of the "Espresso" TV channel, Katkov said that Ukraine will wait for years to receive the F-16, as the planes will arrive in the country in stages as part of a long-term program.
"We will wait years for the F-16, because the planes will arrive in Ukraine gradually. And this is the implementation of the program," said the editor-in-chief.
Katkov noted that the program provides for Ukraine to receive F-16 aircraft from donor countries, which will replace them with F-35. However, he noted that some of these donor countries may start transferring F-16s much later, and the first aircraft may not arrive until 2025.
"Supplying F-16 to Ukraine is not a short-term task. This is one of the largest rearmament programs of Ukraine," Katkov stressed.
It is important to note that Norway is already transferring two F-16s for the training of Ukrainian pilots in Denmark, but the main program of obtaining the aircraft may last for several more years.
Other experts, such as aviation expert Kostyantyn Kryvolap, believe that the first F-16s can reach Ukraine by the end of March 2024, after the training of Ukrainian pilots is completed.
