loading…
US Air Force F-16 fighter jet flying over Estonia. Photo/REUTERS
MOSCOW – While Ukrainian forces are quickly stocking up on Western-supplied munitions, it will take time and effort to effectively use Western fighter jets such as the US-made F-16.
The assessment was disclosed by experts from the Wagner Group. Speaking to RT on Wednesday (15/2/2023), one of PMC’s aircraft specialists commented on the potential delivery of Western-designed military aircraft to the Ukrainian armed forces, as Kiev has repeatedly asked the US and its NATO partners for increasingly sophisticated weaponry.
Wagner experts pointed out there would be a lot of trouble with setting up repair centers and supplying parts for the expensive F-16 aircraft.
He noted that talk of sending Western jets was just “noise”.
Also read: Russia Threatens to Shoot Down Civilian Satellites Used by the Western Military
The expert noted that it was “unclear” what the F-16s “would do here”, given that Russian air defense systems are ubiquitous and the jets would be unable to enter the combat area.
“Our air defense systems are much more effective than those of the enemy,” he said, noting that Western jets were nevertheless “welcomed to visit.”
He also noted that the Ukrainian air force has suffered significant losses over the past year, and most of its pilots are currently “Instagram youths”, whereas the Russian air force is made up of experienced professionals with extensive combat experience.
Meanwhile, a Wagner artillery expert admitted to RT that the Kiev forces, on the other hand, are likely to quickly adapt to Western-supplied military hardware.
Also read: Here’s how Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip became the richest transgender woman in Asia
