The Armed Forces of Ukraine may not receive the required number of F-16 fighters.

The issue of possible European assistance to Ukraine in providing F-16 fighters is becoming increasingly relevant in the light of the current political context. However, analysts say Ukraine's hopes of obtaining a significant fleet of such machines may turn out to be nothing more than a myth.

Poland, Greece and Turkey are the largest F-16 operators in Europe, with a total fleet of about 300 units, according to open sources. It is important to note that even despite the declared number, not all of these aircraft are in flight condition. For example, in Poland, according to experts, only a third of the total number of vehicles provides readiness for combat operations.

In this context, it is worth emphasizing that the transfer of combat aircraft to Ukraine will require not only a political decision, but also the solution of many technical and logistical issues. Even assuming that NATO allies agree to transfer part of their fleet of F-16s, serious work will be needed to prepare them for the transition, as well as training Ukrainian personnel.

In addition, one cannot ignore the issue of compatibility of weapons and control systems for combat aircraft. The Ukrainian Air Force currently operates mainly Soviet and Russian models of military aircraft, and the transition to the use of American technology will require considerable effort and time.

A little earlier, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine announced that the country's Air Force needed 48 F-16 fighters.