Ukrainian military eyes F‑35s after F‑16s boost arsenal

Valerii Riabych, a Ukrainian military expert associated with the Defense Express portal, is certain about the future appearance of equipment in Ukraine. He notes that the next step after receiving the F-16 fighter jets will be acquiring more advanced F-35s. However, there is no confirmation of his words in Ukraine's allies' communications and declarations.

For at least a few days, Ukrainians have had the long-awaited F-16 fighters in their arsenal. Analysts note that some machines that have never been discussed in the context of their potential shipment have arrived. However, it is known that the recently announced delivery of fighters concerns only some of the aircraft expected to reach the defenders' hands.

But what will be next? Valerii Riabych suggests that the next support might not be limited to the F-16s. Mirage 2000-5 or Gripen fighters are also in consideration.

Currently, it is too early to discuss specifics. However, according to Riabych, one thing is sure: Ukraine will rearm with Western machines. The expert claims that, gradually, they will acquire the technology needed to maintain their operational capabilities and produce spare parts.

After receiving the F-16s (or the mentioned Gripens/Mirage 2000s), the next step will naturally be acquiring other aircraft. Riabych points to a specific machine here. "Over time, Ukraine's air force will transition to a single type of aircraft, likely the 5th generation F-35 fighter jet. I do not doubt that we will receive F-35s in the future. Aircraft are not just about tactics; they are about strategy. Therefore, if we have already received the F-16, our pilots will move towards mastering other Western aircraft. Given Ukraine's geopolitical position, we will continue to receive the latest Western weapons," he asserts confidently.

However, it should be noted that currently, nothing indicates that the West intends to transfer the mentioned F-35s to Ukrainian soldiers. Riabych insists that, in his opinion, it is obvious that receiving the latest machines is a matter of time due to Ukraine's unique geopolitical position. However, his words are not confirmed by any official communications and declarations from Kyiv's Western allies.