Can Ukraine effectively use F-16, Gripen and Mirage aircraft simultaneously? An expert's explanation

All combat aircraft that Ukraine receives from its Western partners will perform similar functions - dropping, launching or firing means of destruction, such as aviation bombs or missiles. However, each aircraft can carry its specific spectrum of armaments.

Military expert Roman Svitan explained this in an interview with UNIAN.

“For instance, the Gripen can lift and launch the Taurus missile from the air. The Mirage can launch the Storm Shadow/Scalp missile. The F-16 operates with the JASSM cruise missile and AMRAAM missiles for long-range strikes. Therefore, each aircraft will carry out the task of launching the weapons provided with these planes. They will complement each other depending on the mission,” he emphasized.

However, the expert noted that it is optimal for aviation to use a single type of aircraft.

“This is the most optimal option for training pilots, engineering, technical staff and preparing equipment and airfields. But we need about 200 units of aircraft. Currently, out of all the mentioned types, only the F-16 can meet the requirement of 200 units. It is not feasible to get 200 Gripen or Mirage,” Roman Svitan pointed out.

Nevertheless, he stated that Ukrainian aviation should eventually transition exclusively to the F-16.

“For now, we do not have the prospect of having 200 such aircraft, so we can use Gripen and Mirage. But in the future, we should aim for the optimal option of having one type of aircraft, and the F-16 is considered optimal for carrying out all tasks,” he concluded.

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