Ukraine's armed forces chief predicts 2024 warfare transformation with hint at F‑16 involvement
"The year 2024 will not only be different, it needs to be different to avoid the dangers I've previously discussed," said the Ukrainian commander during a press briefing. Zaluzhny referred to his conversation with "The Economist", during which he stated that the conflict with Russia is evolving into a new phase, requiring advanced technologies to secure victory.
"We have already found solutions to about 90 percent of these issues. This will enable us to act more effectively next year and, most importantly, minimize the loss of human lives," emphasized the general.
"We are working diligently. Our partners, who share our interest in this matter, completely agree with us. I can guarantee that next year will show some changes, as we are doing everything within our power to ensure it," Zaluzhny declared.
First Ukrainian pilots conclude basic training on F-16s
One of the technological advances predicted by Zaluzhny could be the emergence of F-16 fighters in Ukrainian airspace. The United Kingdom recently announced that the first batch of Ukrainian pilots have successfully finished their training on these aircraft.
A team of six veteran Ukrainian pilots was trained by the British Royal Air Force.
Another group of ten pilot trainees remains in the UK, continuing their educational program. Several dozen Ukrainian aviation technicians are also undergoing training.
Upon concluding their training in the UK, the pilots will proceed with their preparations for combat in other European nations.
The training for the American multi-purpose F-16 planes, as per the Pentagon's announcement, can take anywhere from five to nine months.
On December 22, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte declared that his country would be sending eighteen F-16 fighters to Ukraine. The American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has not dismissed the possibility of the first aircrafts landing in Ukraine before the year's end.
