F-16 fighter jets would not be effective enough to defend Ukraine's airspace, because the Russians would still have a significant air advantage.

This opinion was expressed by the Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, commenting on the delay in the transfer of F-16 fighters to Ukraine.

The General noted that F-16s are being transferred to Ukraine largely to ensure control over airspace.

"The fastest and cheapest way to protect airspace is to do it from the ground and provide effective ground air defense systems. This is the most effective way to prevent the Russians from gaining air superiority, and that's what we did," he said.

Willy stated that the plane itself and its maintenance are worth US$2 billion. "The Russians have thousands of fighter aircraft of the fourth and fifth generations. Therefore, to counter them in the air, you need a significant number of fourth- and fifth-generation fighters," Milley added.

He added that the F-16 aircraft will soon become part of the Air Force of Ukraine, but in order to build a serious air force, the necessary capabilities and a significant amount of time.

Earlier, US Permanent Representative to the OSCE Michael Carpenter during a meeting of the organization's Permanent Council said that Russian propaganda is gradually becoming more absurd and claims that the Russian army has already destroyed several dozen Patriot complexes in Ukraine.

In addition, we previously reported that the United States and its allies, which are part of the Contact Group on Support for Ukraine, have made a significant commitment to provide military assistance totaling $65 billion.

Read also:

• The Pentagon has named the time when Ukrainian pilots will begin training on the F-16
• Yermak named the timing of delivery of F-16 fighters to Ukraine
• US will soon agree to transfer F-16 to Ukraine - American diplomat

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