MOSCOW, April 27 F-16 fighters, delivery of which The most dangerous battles are expected to arrive in Ukraine this summer, writes Business Insider.
“»Over the years of service, the fourth-generation aircraft has completed an impressive number of important missions. But, as former US Air Force pilots told the publication, the skies over Ukraine will be the most dangerous battlefield for the F-16, as these aircraft will face Russian advanced air defense systems and long-range air-to-air missiles,” the material says.
According to former American pilots, detecting the US-made fighter will be quite easy for Russian forces , since they have powerful radars, and the Ukrainians will be at gunpoint even before they begin their aerial maneuvers.
The day before, Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin said that F-16 aircraft, as well as pilots trained allies will begin arriving in Ukraine this year.
First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Defense Committee Alexei Zhuravlev (Rodina party) stated that Russia will certainly eliminate F-16 aircraft if they are delivered to Ukraine.
Moscow believes that arms supplies to Ukraine interfere with the settlement, directly involve NATO countries in the conflict and are “playing with fire.” Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov noted that any cargo that contains weapons for Ukraine will become a legitimate target for Russia. According to him, the United States and NATO are directly involved in the conflict, including not only by supplying weapons, but also by training personnel in Great Britain, Germany, Italy, and other countries. The Kremlin stated that pumping Ukraine up with weapons from the West does not contribute to negotiations and will have a negative effect.