Ukraine calls for 200 aircraft to counter Russian threat

Colonel Yuriy Ignat emphasized that Ukraine requires about 200 aircraft of different types to efficiently defend against Russia. He highlighted the F-16, which is a multi-role aircraft capable of operating in the air as well as on land and sea.

The aircraft should be of various types. The F-16, a multi-role aircraft, can engage air, ground, and naval targets. In aviation, there are distinct tasks that require specific types of aircraft. Estimates suggest that about 200 different types of aircraft are necessary for the country's effective defense, Ignat explained.

Ignat recalls that, in the 1990s, Ukraine had around a thousand aviation units. Many of these were from the Soviet era, which maintained significant air forces on Ukrainian territory, including strategic bombers. Now, however, Ukrainians are focusing on modernization and acquiring advanced aircraft.

The F-16 fighters delivered to Ukraine so far are capable of reaching speeds up to about 1,550 mph, which provides them with excellent mobility. It's worth noting that the mass of these aircraft is 18,000 lbs, contributing to their exceptional maneuverability. American F-16 fighters are acclaimed for their agility, making them highly effective in combat operations.

The F-16 is equipped to carry ammunition on weapon stations located under the fuselage. Various types of guided missiles, such as the AGM-65 Maverick and AIM-120 AMRAAM, as well as bombs, can be mounted on these stations. The F-16 is capable of reaching an altitude of up to 50,000 feet. Its standard range is 2,000 miles, but with additional fuel tanks, this can be extended by an additional 620 miles.