Ukraine's path to advanced weaponry: F‑35s on the horizon?

Walerij Riabych, a Ukrainian military expert associated with the Defense Express portal, is confident about what equipment will appear in Ukraine in the future. He notes that the next step after receiving the F-16s will be acquiring more advanced aircraft—the F-35s. However, confirmation of his words is nowhere in Ukraine's allies' communications and declarations.

For at least a few days, Ukrainians have already had the long-awaited F-16 fighters in their arsenal. To the frontlines—as analysts note—machines that have never been discussed in the context of their potential shipment have also arrived. However, it is known that the recently announced delivery of fighters concerns only some of the dozens of aircraft that are supposed to reach the defenders' hands.

But what will be next? Walerij Riabych notes that the following support might not be limited to the F-16s. Mirage-2000/5 or Gripen fighters are also in play.

However, it is too early to discuss specifics. According to Riabych, one thing is sure: Ukraine will rearm with Western machines. “We will gradually gain the technology needed to maintain their operational capabilities and produce spare parts,” the expert claims.

After receiving the F-16s (or the mentioned Gripens/Mirage-2000s), the next step will be acquiring other aircraft. Riabych points to a specific machine: “Over time, Ukraine's air force will transition to a single type of aircraft, likely the 5th generation F-35 fighter jet. I do not doubt that we will receive F-35s in the future,” he asserts confidently.

“Aircraft are not just about tactics; they are about strategy. Therefore, if we have already received the F-16, our pilots will move towards mastering other Western aircraft. Given Ukraine's geopolitical position, we will continue to receive the latest Western weapons,” he argues.

However, it should be noted that currently, nothing indicates that the West intends to transfer the mentioned F-35s to Ukrainian soldiers. Riabych emphasizes that, in his opinion, it is evident, explaining that receiving the latest machines is a matter of time due to Ukraine's unique geopolitical position. However, his words are not confirmed by any official communications and declarations from Kyiv's Western allies.