Zaluzhnyi warns F-16s may arrive too late, as Russia’s modern S-400 air defense system can reach past Dnipro

Western F-16 fighters may be "less helpful" next year as Russia has improved its weapons and air defense system, Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi said in an interview with UK weekly news magazine The Economist published on Nov. 1.

Long-range missile systems and tanks would have been most useful for Ukraine in 2022, but the West handed them over only in 2023. During this time, the Russian military was able to regroup and strengthen their defenses, the general said.

Read also: Ukraine had just 40 operational fighter jets in February 2022 — Zaluzhnyi

"Similarly, F-16 jets, due next year, are now less helpful, suggests the general, in part because Russia has improved its air defenses: an experimental version of the S-400 missile system can reach beyond the city of Dnipro," the Economist quoted Zaluzhnyi as saying.

Read also: Ukrainian pilots in transition from using simulators to flying real F-16 fighter jets — Ihnat

At the same time, he said he is grateful to the allies for all the weapons provided and believes that the main problem is not delays in their delivery. The Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief also said he sees technology, drones, and electronic warfare as crucial.

In a column for The Economist, Zaluzhnyi said that Russia's war against Ukraine was entering a new stage – a so-called positional war, which consists of static and attrition fighting.

He said the allies should provide Ukraine with key military capabilities and technologies, which will help "break out of this kind of war."

We’re bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine