How many aircraft does Ukraine need to deter Russia: Air Force response
To fully defend Ukraine, approximately 200 combat aircraft of various types, including F-16s, are needed.
F-16 fighter jet. / © Associated Press
Ukraine requires about 200 modern combat aircraft to effectively deter air and ground threats from Russia.
Colonel Yurii Ihnat, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force, said this in an interview with Ukrainska Pravda.
According to him, this includes aircraft of various types, with a key role played by F-16s — multirole fighters capable of engaging air, ground, and sea targets.
“The F-16 is a multirole aircraft. It can operate in the air, against air targets, ground targets, and surface targets,” Ihnat explained.
He noted that to fulfill the full range of aviation tasks — from interception to supporting ground forces — Ukraine needs a fleet of at least 200 such aircraft. This would ensure effective defense of the airspace and counter threats from all directions.