Oleksiy Kopytko, Advisor to the Minister of Defense, revealed important aspects of the supply and operation of F-16 fighters in Ukrainian airspace. He emphasized that in addition to the combat vehicles themselves, spare parts, maintenance, weapons and supporting infrastructure are also needed.
Advisor Kopytko noted that there are already specific agreements in place to train Ukrainian pilots and personnel responsible for F-16 maintenance. These agreements correspond to the memorandum signed in July in Vilnius by representatives of the 11-nation "air coalition." According to the advisor, it can be expected that "exactly the number that was agreed upon will be taught."
"The configuration is still being formed: who, what, how much and when will transfer. Because airplanes are half the job. The ground infrastructure (and there is special equipment). Ammunition (missiles, bombs, shells are expensive, and we don't produce them, we need to get them from someone) or buy). Maintenance and repair (spare parts - to receive, buy, produce under license, etc.)," Kopytko said.
He also emphasized that all these aspects will require appropriate expenditures to be made to the budget.
