Ukrainian Pilots Plead For F-16s To Counter Russia: 'We Can't Do Anything'

On Wednesday, Ukrainian pilots made a plea to Western allies for F-16 jets to better protect their skies against Russian aviation. The pilots argue that the F-16s could be a game-changer in the ongoing conflict, providing a significant boost to their air capabilities.

What Happened: Ukrainian pilots have been struggling to contain Russian aviation with their current fleet of Soviet-era Su-25s, which are no match for Russia’s advanced Su-35s, CNN reports. The pilots argue that the U.S.-made F-16 jets, which have air-to-air refueling capabilities and are compatible with most NATO weapons, could significantly enhance their air defense.

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"At the moment we can't do anything," a Mig-29 pilot, with the call sign "Juice," says.

"We can't fight them at all with our missiles, with our radars. "The F-16 will definitely help with that," he says.

Ukraine has received 45 Su-25s and Mig-29s from NATO and allied nations in Europe, but the pilots argue that it’s not just a numbers game. They believe that the F-16s could make their counteroffensive much more effective and safer for their ground forces.

Why It Matters: The procurement of F-16s has become a priority for the Ukrainian government, including Defense Minister Oleksyi Reznikov and President Volodymyr Zelensky. The pilots believe that with F-16s, they could strike Russian planes, forcing them to change their tactics and stop operating above occupied territory.

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However, some Western nations, particularly the United States, have shown resistance to the idea, fearing escalation with Moscow. Despite this, the US has agreed to train Ukrainian pilots on the aircraft, and the UK and Denmark have been pressing for more.

The Ukrainian pilots have already begun training themselves, using improvised F-16 simulators and improving their English skills. They believe that they could learn to fly the F-16s effectively within four to six months.

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