NEW DELHI: Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stark warning relating to the potential deployment of US-made F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, saying that Russia would goal and destroy these jets simply because it has with different Western-supplied navy tools. This declaration comes amidst discussions amongst a number of Nato international locations about donating F-16s to Kiev and coaching Ukrainian pilots, though no deliveries have occurred but.
Putin, throughout his go to to the Torzhok Air Base within the Tver Area, asserted the potential introduction of F-16 jets into the battle wouldn’t alter the battlefield dynamics. “In the event that they ship the F-16s, I feel you already know higher than others that this won’t change the state of affairs on the battlefield,” he remarked. “And we are going to destroy these planes simply as now we have destroyed tanks, armored autos and different tools, together with a number of launch rocket techniques.”
His feedback underscore Russia’s dedication to countering what it views as unacceptable escalations within the ongoing battle in Ukraine.
F-16s as respectable targets
The Russian chief additional emphasised that if Ukrainian pilots have been to function these jets from bases in third international locations, these F-16s would turn out to be respectable targets for Russian forces. “After all, if they’re used from airfields of third international locations, they turn out to be a respectable goal for us, wherever they’re situated,” Putin elaborated, highlighting the intense implications of deploying these plane in or close to the battle zone.
Putin additionally famous the potential of the F-16, a jet first designed within the Nineteen Seventies, to hold nuclear weapons, indicating that Russia would take this under consideration in its navy technique.
Challenges for Ukraine’s Air Drive
The dialogue of F-16s comes as Ukraine’s air drive has suffered vital losses over the previous two years, together with Soviet-era jets that have been donated by a number of Nato members. With the Ukrainian authorities looking for the superior F-16 jets as replacements, there’s hypothesis in regards to the practicality of their deployment given the necessity for pristine runways, that are scarce in Ukraine. This has led to conjecture that Ukrainian-operated F-16s would possibly as an alternative be stationed in neighboring Nato international locations.
Putin’s warnings mirror the complexities and heightened tensions surrounding navy help for Ukraine, with each strategic and political implications for the concerned events.
Putin, throughout his go to to the Torzhok Air Base within the Tver Area, asserted the potential introduction of F-16 jets into the battle wouldn’t alter the battlefield dynamics. “In the event that they ship the F-16s, I feel you already know higher than others that this won’t change the state of affairs on the battlefield,” he remarked. “And we are going to destroy these planes simply as now we have destroyed tanks, armored autos and different tools, together with a number of launch rocket techniques.”
His feedback underscore Russia’s dedication to countering what it views as unacceptable escalations within the ongoing battle in Ukraine.
F-16s as respectable targets
The Russian chief additional emphasised that if Ukrainian pilots have been to function these jets from bases in third international locations, these F-16s would turn out to be respectable targets for Russian forces. “After all, if they’re used from airfields of third international locations, they turn out to be a respectable goal for us, wherever they’re situated,” Putin elaborated, highlighting the intense implications of deploying these plane in or close to the battle zone.
Putin additionally famous the potential of the F-16, a jet first designed within the Nineteen Seventies, to hold nuclear weapons, indicating that Russia would take this under consideration in its navy technique.
Challenges for Ukraine’s Air Drive
The dialogue of F-16s comes as Ukraine’s air drive has suffered vital losses over the previous two years, together with Soviet-era jets that have been donated by a number of Nato members. With the Ukrainian authorities looking for the superior F-16 jets as replacements, there’s hypothesis in regards to the practicality of their deployment given the necessity for pristine runways, that are scarce in Ukraine. This has led to conjecture that Ukrainian-operated F-16s would possibly as an alternative be stationed in neighboring Nato international locations.
Putin’s warnings mirror the complexities and heightened tensions surrounding navy help for Ukraine, with each strategic and political implications for the concerned events.
