F‑16s arrive in Ukraine sparking talks of future F‑35 acquisition

Valeryi Riabych, a Ukrainian military expert associated with the Defense Express portal, is confident about what equipment will appear in Ukraine. He notes that the next step after receiving the F-16s will be acquiring more advanced aircraft—the F-35s. However, Ukraine's allies' communications and declarations do not confirm his words.

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

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

Currently, however, it is too early to discuss specifics. According to Riabych, one thing is certain: Ukraine will rearm with Western machines. The expert claims that we will gradually 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 fifth-generation F-35 fighters. I have no doubt that we will receive the F-35s in the future – he asserts confidently.

– Aircraft are not just about tactics; they are about strategy. Therefore, if we have already received the F-16s, our pilots will proceed to master other Western aircraft. Given Ukraine's geopolitical position, we will continue to receive the latest Western armaments – he argues.

However, it should be noted that currently, nothing indicates that the West intends to transfer the mentioned F-35s to Ukrainian soldiers. Riabych emphasizes that, in his opinion, it is obvious, explaining 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.