The publication did not specify how exactly the American fighters were lost, but we are talking about “various incidents.”
After talking with Ukrainian pilots, the journalist came to the conclusion that to prevent losses “on the ground,” F-16s are regularly deployed to different locations, including secondary runways “and, probably, highways.”
One of the Ukrainians said that F-16s have the ability to be deployed “in places where the enemy does not expect them.” Aircraft are constantly repositioned and therefore it is difficult for the enemy to determine their location.
Overall, the pilot rates the F-16 as a “very capable” fighter, praising its weapons and guidance systems.
The publication emphasizes that Ukraine was not given the most modern equipment, which is why until now Ukrainian F-16 pilots have not been able to achieve aerial victories over manned enemy aircraft.
The Ukrainian army uses mainly Western aircraft as part of air defense and to strike the positions of Russian occupiers on the ground.
