By KYIV. Dec 13 (Interfax-Ukraine) – Minister of Defense of Ukraine Rustem Umerov explained how to understand the partners’ obligations to transfer F16 fighters to Ukraine in the coming spring.
“In the short term, we are focusing on F16, but we are also analyzing other platforms because we always want to be ahead of our opponent. The question constantly arises, if F16, F18, F22, F35 or some other aircraft are needed? This issue is constantly being discussed. But there are commitments from the countries that we have announced. They commit, the partners commit themselves, that the transfer will be [carried out] in the spring. If they were handed over today, I would tell you that we will start using them. We are moving on to obligations, but obligations are not actual fulfillment – this should be understood. We value every country, every person who works with us in every field. Regarding F16, the first commitment from our partners will be fulfilled in the spring,” Umerov said at a joint briefing with Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds in Kyiv on Tuesday.
