Forgive me for my ignorance but...was this a good idea to reveal the jets now? I don't know if I missed a few points in the articles regarding Ukraine and the F-16 Saga, but I don't know if this plan was a good one or not from any point. I'm not expecting a clear cut answer either as the 'ideal situation' is seldom ever achieved, but I w…
Forgive me for my ignorance but...was this a good idea to reveal the jets now? I don't know if I missed a few points in the articles regarding Ukraine and the F-16 Saga, but I don't know if this plan was a good one or not from any point. I'm not expecting a clear cut answer either as the 'ideal situation' is seldom ever achieved, but I was under the impression that if Ukraine wanted to have this make a greater impact on the field, they'd need greater numbers of this rather than piecemeal/trickling method their getting now. They might find good success with this, but Russia will eventually figure something out and plan around that and it'll be back to the drawing board. I don't know anymore, I just don't know how to take this news
The problem is that no one can wave a magic wand and have combat-ready pilots, aircraft, maintenance crews, runways, airfields, GBAD, and logistics in place in an instant. It takes a long time. That six F-16s are in-country right now is a minor miracle. Any expectations of this happening faster is the fault of those who merely wished it was so, not of those trying to get the job done.
F-16s simply have their footprint and hiding them is anything else than easy.
Plus, it's 'good for PR purposes' (especially in combination with the 20th anniversary of the PSU): is important in Ukraine - also for 'morale boosting purposes'.
Forgive me for my ignorance but...was this a good idea to reveal the jets now? I don't know if I missed a few points in the articles regarding Ukraine and the F-16 Saga, but I don't know if this plan was a good one or not from any point. I'm not expecting a clear cut answer either as the 'ideal situation' is seldom ever achieved, but I was under the impression that if Ukraine wanted to have this make a greater impact on the field, they'd need greater numbers of this rather than piecemeal/trickling method their getting now. They might find good success with this, but Russia will eventually figure something out and plan around that and it'll be back to the drawing board. I don't know anymore, I just don't know how to take this news
Here's a well-written explanation of the issues you raise:
https://www.twz.com/ukrainian-f-16-combat-proficiency-at-scale-not-likely-before-2027-air-force-general-says
The problem is that no one can wave a magic wand and have combat-ready pilots, aircraft, maintenance crews, runways, airfields, GBAD, and logistics in place in an instant. It takes a long time. That six F-16s are in-country right now is a minor miracle. Any expectations of this happening faster is the fault of those who merely wished it was so, not of those trying to get the job done.
There were not many options left.
F-16s simply have their footprint and hiding them is anything else than easy.
Plus, it's 'good for PR purposes' (especially in combination with the 20th anniversary of the PSU): is important in Ukraine - also for 'morale boosting purposes'.