Valerii Riabykh, a Ukrainian military expert affiliated with Defense Express, has made bold predictions about the future of Ukraine's air defense.
Just the Beginning
According to Riabykh, the arrival of the F-16 fighter jets is just the beginning. He anticipates that Ukraine will eventually acquire even more advanced aircraft, specifically the fifth-generation F-35 fighters. While there is no official confirmation from Western allies, Riabykh is confident that these state-of-the-art jets will become a part of Ukraine's military arsenal according to Tech.
Ukraine has recently received its long-awaited F-16 fighter jets, which are already making an impact on the front lines. These aircraft are expected to be just the first batch of several dozen jets that will bolster Ukraine's defenses.
However, Riabykh suggests that the support from Western allies may extend beyond the F-16s. He points to the possibility of acquiring additional aircraft models such as the Mirage 2000/5 or Gripen in the near future.
Likely Transition to F35s
Riabykh's forecast for the future of Ukraine's air force includes a significant upgrade to F-35 jets. He explains that after becoming proficient with the F-16s and potentially other Western aircraft, the Ukrainian Air Force will likely transition to operating F-35s.
This, he believes, is not just a tactical move but a strategic one, reflecting Ukraine's geopolitical importance.
It’s important to note that there is currently no official indication that the West plans to supply F-35s to Ukraine at this time. Riabykh emphasizes that his prediction is based on Ukraine's strategic position and the ongoing trend of acquiring advanced Western weaponry.
