President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine's F-16 fleet has proven effective against Russia's new jet unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), according to an interview published by the Financial Times on 2/10.

However, he noted that "too many aircraft, about half of Ukraine's F-16 fleet," must remain in Europe for extended periods for repairs and maintenance. Some aircraft spend too long in workshops, leaving Ukraine short of fighter jets when they are most needed to defend its airspace.

President Zelensky alongside a Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet at its unveiling in 8/2024. Photo: Reuters

President Zelensky alongside a Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet at its unveiling in 8/2024. Photo: Reuters

President Zelensky is seeking assistance from Western partners to transfer some maintenance operations to Ukraine. He asserted that fighter jets repaired closer to the front lines could return to service more quickly.

He acknowledged that Ukraine faces many obstacles in catching up with Russia's UAV capabilities, including a shortage of engines for interceptor drones. "Engines are a key factor, and we have to import many. Ukraine also produces some engines, but it is not enough," President Zelensky stated.

The Ukrainian leader did not specify the repair locations for the F-16 fighter jets or the average time each aircraft spends in the factory.

Heorhii Tykhyi, spokesperson for Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed on 2/10 that Ukraine faces challenges in maintaining its F-16 fleet. This is due to some components for older variants being out of production and increasingly difficult to source.

"However, recent reports suggesting that readiness is critically low and maintenance times are excessively long are untrue. Ukraine's partners are not only consistently delivering F-16 aircraft after overhaul, but they are also doing so with increasing speed. Completion times are being shortened, not extended," he affirmed.

A Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet at its unveiling in 8/2024. Photo: Reuters

A Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet at its unveiling in 8/2024. Photo: Reuters

In January, the United States awarded a USD 235,5 million contract to Belgium's Sabena Aerospace Engineering company for the maintenance and major repair of Ukraine's entire F-16 fighter jet fleet.

F-16 aircraft typically undergo a "phased inspection" process after every 300 flight hours. This ensures the operational capability of their engines, avionics, hydraulic systems, fuel lines, and other equipment.

The Wall Street Journal reported on 29/9, citing Western sources familiar with the situation, that maintenance operations are stalled for more than half of Ukraine's F-16 fleet, leaving them sidelined. At the current rate of use and maintenance, the remaining F-16s in Ukraine could also be grounded within the next few months.

Retired Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery, former deputy director for plans and strategy at the United States military's European Command (EUCOM), noted that phased inspections for F-16 fighter jets in the United States typically take 2-6 weeks. However, the same process takes up to 40 weeks when conducted in Belgium.

Ukraine is believed to have received approximately 40-50 F-16 aircraft. Some of these are stationed in Europe for training, and at least five fighter jets have been lost in combat. A coalition comprising Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway has pledged to supply a total of 110 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.

Pham Giang (According to Financial Times, Ukrainska Pravda, United24 Media)