‘We need to be realistic’: F-16s are arriving in Ukraine too slowly and in insufficient numbers — French general

The West has promised Ukraine about 80 F-16 aircraft — however, many forget that deliveries will be stretched over several years, and as of today, Kyiv has received only 10 fighters.

This was stated by French General Jérôme Pellistrandi in an interview with La Dépêche.

“We need to be realistic. Considering the number of promised aircraft and the delivery timelines, these actions will not change the balance of power, which will remain in favor of Russia,” Pellistrandi said.

According to him, by the time Belgium finishes supplying its share of fighters to Kyiv — which, according to the agreement, will be in 2028 — “it may already be too late.” Weapons and equipment are needed by Ukrainians right now, not when the US and Europe fully replace their F-16s with F-35s and can give Ukraine their old aircraft.

When asked whether the combination of F-16s and the promised French Mirage-2000s would be a turning point for Ukraine, the general stated that “it is too early to talk about this.” The delivery and training of pilots will take too much time, which Ukrainian soldiers likely do not have, Pellistrandi noted.