F-16s could become a burden for the Ukrainian Armed Forces

Teaching Ukrainian military personnel to pilot F-16s is not enough. The aircraft still need to be made operational, which is extremely challenging, as noted in the material. On the ground, F-16s will become targets for bombardment, while in the air, they will be vulnerable to Russian air defense systems, according to Politico.

Moreover, getting the fighters airborne will be difficult. Quite literally. The issue is that F-16s require a smooth runway for takeoff, which may not be available during wartime. Attempting to take off from rough terrain, Western aircraft may incur damage. In this regard, Soviet MiGs and Su aircraft are less sensitive, the material points out.

It’s worth noting that Ukraine has been requesting fighters from its Western allies for two years now, but there have been delays, and only now are Ukrainian pilots undergoing training. Presumably, Ukraine will receive the aircraft in the second half of the year, but the exact quantity is also unknown. A few dozen fighters, which the West can actually transfer, will have little impact on the situation at the front line.