F-16 won't help Ukraine says senior officer, who reckons the warplane's now irrelevant
The American-designed F-16 Fighting Falcon has been labelled "no longer relevant" by a senior Ukrainian military official, despite a lengthy training programme to operate the aircraft being underway.
The F-16 has seen service with a number of operators around the world, and their inclusion in the country’s arsenal is expected to significantly boost the fight against Russia.
However, a high-ranking Ukrainian officer reportedly told Politico: "Every weapon has its own right time. F-16s were needed in 2023. They won’t be right for 2024."
The unnamed officer spoke to Politico and claimed that the F-16 would not be the weapon Ukraine needed in the coming year.
He said: "We just don't get the weapons systems at the time we need them - they come when they’re no longer relevant."
He explained the aircraft would have been better suited to fight in Ukraine last year, but its window of opportunity may now have closed.
Russia had already worked out ways to counter the jet, limiting its usefulness on the frontline, he warned.
Despite the F-16 being a very capable aircraft, it has found itself being replaced by some Western air forces.
The aircraft has been in the air for over 50 years since taking its first flight in 1974.
As it was being gradually removed from service, it was found to be an easier aircraft to send to Ukraine. However, this may have come at the cost of its effectiveness in the war against Russia.
While the Royal Air Force does not operate the F-16, the UK was able to provide important initial flight training for Ukrainian pilots.
Last month, 10 of them graduated from the UK's advanced flying course in preparation to continue their training with the French air force before ultimately moving on to the F-16.
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