Ukraine has begun the process of preparing airstrips to receive F-16 aircraft, which will be provided by the country's allies. This was announced by the spokesman of the Air Force of Ukraine, Yuriy Ignat, during the telethon.
According to Ignat, Ukraine is not building new infrastructure specifically to receive these planes. Instead, there is a process of adaptation of already existing airfields to provide the necessary conditions for the operation of the F-16.
"We can hardly afford to build an infrastructure from scratch like the one that exists in the leading Western countries. Because there are intense hostilities, the enemy will not allow global construction to take place. Airfields are constantly bombarded, including by ballistic missiles. Therefore, in fact, in our version, it is the preparation and adaptation of our airfields, operational airfields to receive F-16 aircraft. And this preparation continues. At what stage and what is still needed, no one will say this, - noted Ignat.
In addition, he said, the adaptation involves preparing runways so that F-16s can land and take off freely during missions.
"We have many of them, but those that will be used by the F-16 will be determined. The preparation of places for the parking of these planes is also going on, this will happen as it is now by means of dispersal, masking, etc. There are other subtle nuances, such as management, means of communication, etc. This is what adaptation is all about, so that we can use these planes from our airfields," explained Ignat.
He also mentioned that these planes had previously operated from Ukrainian airfields, so there should be no problems with their adaptation.
"These aircraft have previously operated from Ukrainian airfields, they are F-15 and F-16, it was in 2012 and 2018, respectively. The existing runways are covered with reinforced concrete slabs, so there is no question whether or not these planes will be able to take off from our airfields. They will work the same as they did a few years ago," Ignat said.
The adoption of F-16 aircraft in Ukraine is part of a strategic partnership with allies, which is aimed at increasing the country's defense capabilities and countering the enemy in the region. These aircraft, in particular, can be used to protect the 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 reconstruction of runways, preparation of technical conditions and provision of necessary infrastructure.
