The Russian government says it will be forced to take retaliatory measures if Western-made F-16 fighter jets appear in the skies over Ukraine.
The threat was aired by Moscow’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during an interview with the RT television channel late last week.
According to Lavrov, Russia has issued a “very serious demarche” with regard to the possibility of F-16 aircraft being transferred to Kyiv.
He also claimed that the fighter jets would be used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces to carry nuclear weapons and attack Russian forces.
“Now there is talk about F-16 aircraft, which, indeed, can be equipped to carry nuclear weapons. We’ve said that publicly,” Lavrov said.
“Of course … a military-technical response will follow.”
Calls for Fighter Jets
Since the beginning of the invasion in February 2022, Ukrainian authorities have been pleading for fighter jets from international allies to provide tactical air support to the frontline.
President Volodymyr Zelensky even stated that delays in sending combat aircraft like F-16s could extend the war and result in more damage.
Poland and Slovakia had already pledged warplanes to Kyiv “to protect civilians against the many bombs that fall on their houses.”
#Slovakia will send MiG-29 fighter jets to #Ukraine
Jets will defend Ukrainian sky & critical infrastructure which is being deliberately destroyed by #Russia. 🇸🇰 will also supply part of KUB air-defence system.#StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/6wYucr7yTh— Slovakia MFA 🇸🇰 | #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 (@SlovakiaMFA) March 17, 2023
But US President Joe Biden said earlier this year that he will not send the requested F-16 fighters to help Ukraine in its war against Russia.
US State Department spokesman Ned Price also told reporters that ground-based defense systems are far more effective in hitting back at Russia’s “formidable” air force.
“We will continue to provide our Ukrainian partners with the surface-to-air systems that they need to take on the threat that they face from Russian missiles, from Russian rockets, from artillery,” he said.
Lockheed on Standby
Despite having no assurance that F-16s will be sent to Ukraine, American defense giant Lockheed Martin said it stands ready to help if the US reverses its earlier decision.
The company could train Ukrainian pilots to fly and maintain the aircraft, according to chief operating officer Frank St John.
“We are standing by, ready to not only backfill need as it arises with new F-16 builds but also any modifications to F-16s as well as training, equipment, and systems.”