Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Western air bases internet hosting F-16 fighter jets for Ukraine can be “reliable” targets for the Kremlin’s forces, in line with The Related Press.
“F-16s are able to carrying nuclear weapons, and we will even have to take that into consideration whereas organizing our fight operations,” he mentioned.
F-16s, that are constructed by Lockheed Martin, are “a compact, multi-role fighter plane,” in line with the US Air Pressure’s web site. They value about $63 million and hit speeds of as much as 1,500 mph.
Ukraine is ready on the supply of F-16s from allies to assist it combat Russia’s invasion. It has lengthy argued that it wants fighter jets to successfully fight Russian forces and has pushed allies to ship the F-16s as quickly as potential.
Ukrainian pilots have been coaching on them in allied international locations for months.
The AP famous that Western air bases could also be utilized by Ukraine when it will get the jets, as a result of they require high-standard runways and in addition protecting hangars.
The AP mentioned it isn’t clear what number of air bases Ukraine has that may match these requirements, and Russia would possible prioritize destroying any that do.
Putin on his go to additionally insisted the F-16s “will not change the scenario on the battlefield.”
“We’ll destroy their warplanes simply as we destroy their tanks, armored autos and different tools, together with a number of rocket launchers,” he mentioned.
He dismissed Western warnings that Russia might assault elsewhere in Europe.
“Their statements about our alleged intention to assault Europe after Ukraine is sheer nonsense,” he mentioned.
He mentioned the US’s protection price range is 10 instances larger than that of Russia: “In view of that, are we going to wage a conflict in opposition to NATO? It is ravings.”
A number of European international locations have warned that their intelligence signifies Russia might assault one other nation within the continent within the subsequent few years.
That’s more likely to spill right into a wider battle, as most European international locations are in NATO and the alliance’s collective protection agreements imply that an assault on one nation is taken into account an assault on all.
A Swedish protection official mentioned on Thursday that Putin’s new feedback present how he might escalate the battle.
“If Putin needs a conflict with NATO, that is the way you begin it. Then will probably be a 3rd world conflict,” Swedish Lieutenant Colonel Joakim Paasikivi mentioned, in line with Euractiv.
A number of NATO members have pledged F-16s for Ukraine. A lot in regards to the plans for them is being saved secret, however Lithuania’s protection minister mentioned final month that he thinks the primary ones will arrive in June.
Russia has a far superior air power to Ukraine, however Ukraine has been capable of deny Russia from coming into its air house via its use of air protection techniques. It has additionally shot down a slew of Russian plane all through the battle.
However Ukraine is warning that its air protection munitions are operating out, significantly with additional help from the US blocked by Home Republicans.
Air warfare consultants beforehand informed Enterprise Insider that with Ukraine brief on air defenses, Russia’s air power might begin to fly freely, inflicting such devastation that it might primarily finish the conflict.
