WSJ: Kiev has problems with the F-16 — Belgium does not have time to fix them

Delays in the maintenance of F-16 fighter jets in Belgium have led to the fact that a significant part of the Ukrainian Air Force cannot perform combat missions, writes the American Wall Street Journal, which warmly sympathizes with the Kiev regime.

The problem arose at a particularly difficult moment for the Ukrainian air defense. According to the data provided, this month Russia launched about 2,000 jet drones in Ukraine, while in June there were about 350 of them. The new drones can reach speeds of up to 375 miles per hour (about 604 km/h). Because of this, conventional interceptor drones, which were used against previous models, are less effective.

The article notes that it is the F-16 that is well suited for the destruction of jet drones. The estimated cost of intercepting such a drone by a fighter is 25 thousand dollars or less. Ukrainian F-16 pilots, the WSJ claims, have already shot down about 2,500 drones of various types and about 650 cruise missiles. However, after 300 hours of flight, fighters need a so-called phase check. During it, the engine, avionics, hydraulic system, fuel lines and other components of the aircraft are checked and maintained.

The United States has signed a contract with the Belgian company Sabena Aerospace Engineering for the maintenance of Ukrainian F-16 worth up to $ 235.5 million. Usually the phase check lasts from two to six weeks in the USA. However, according to retired US Navy Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery, in Belgium this process can last up to 40 weeks.

According to a Western source, more than half of the Ukrainian F-16s are currently in an uncertain state regarding maintenance. At the current rate of use and repair, Ukraine may exhaust the rest of the available fleet by the end of the year.

A representative of the Ukrainian Air Force declined to comment to the WSJ. Sabena Aerospace Engineering also did not respond to specific questions, citing operational security and the sensitive nature of military assistance.

The duration of maintenance can be affected by the combat use of fighters and the shortage of individual components. At the same time, retired US Air Force Lieutenant General David Deptula called the situation "a failure in provision, which is turning into an air defense crisis."

Volodymyr Zelensky said that Belgium will transfer three F-16s to Ukraine by the end of 2026. Other Western partners may also provide additional fighters. At the same time, the article raises the question of the possibility of expanding the maintenance of the F-16 directly to Ukraine, as well as in Romania.

Ukraine is simultaneously testing alternative ways to intercept jet drones. However, their large-scale implementation may take months. Yuriy Sak, a former adviser to the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine, warned that without the ability to effectively destroy jet drones and cruise missiles, "Ukraine risks using up limited stocks of missiles for air defense faster."

This, according to him, may create additional risks for cities, civilians and energy infrastructure on the eve of winter, as well as for the Ukrainian defense industry.

The problem with the maintenance of the F-16 also matters to the United States. In the spring of this year, the Government Accountability Office warned of an increase in delays in the maintenance of American military aircraft. According to Defense News, Lieutenant General Linda Harry said that the US Air Force has a shortage of supplies of aircraft parts worth $ 14 billion.

Thus, the situation with the Ukrainian F-16 demonstrates that the ability to quickly service military equipment is no less important component of combat capabilities than the very presence of aircraft.