Ukraine will receive a serious increase in air defense, but the number of F-16s will be “non-strategic,” the president said.
President Vladimir Zelensky assessed Ukraine’s needs for the Patriot anti-aircraft missile system and F-16 fighter. He made the corresponding statement at a press conference in Kyiv on Monday, July 15.
So, according to him, 25 Patriot complexes are needed to completely cover the sky of Ukraine.
“I can tell you how many Patriots we need in general Ukraine. I can’t tell you how many we have or will be,” he said.
Zelensky recalled that the recent decision of NATO countries to transfer five Patriot systems to Ukraine.
“You understand how serious this contribution (to our defense) is,” ed.)”, – he said.
The President also confirmed that Ukraine will receive a certain number of F-16 fighters from Western countries, but they will not be enough to fight Russian aviation on equal terms.
“The decision on the F-16s is strategic, their number is not yet strategic. There are a significant number of aircraft that I have agreed with other countries. After my agreements, there are several processes on both sides,” said head of state
According to him, Ukraine will receive several aircraft in the summer and before the end of the year.
“I can’t tell you right now how many of these planes it’s not going to be enough that it’s not going to be enough.” “, added the president.
It was previously reported that Denmark and the Netherlands are in the process of transferring F-16s to Ukraine. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said fighter jets will fly into Ukrainian airspace this summer. Moreover, the number of aircraft promised by the West continues to grow.
Source: korrespondent
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