How airpower experts think Ukraine could pull off bursts of air superiority to get F-16s into the fight and score breakthroughs

Tue, 07/09/2024 - 16:15

Four Portuguese Air Force F-16 jets fly against a white, cloudy background. — Portuguese Air Force F-16 M Fighting Falcons fly over Praça do Comercio during the military parade that opens the official ceremonies in celebration of the 50th anniversary of 1974 Carnation Revolution (Revolução dos Cravos).
Horacio Villalobos/Getty Images

F-16 fighter jets are about to finally enter combat in Ukraine, where its new operators will have to figure out how best to use them.
There is a play in which Ukraine could pursue bursts of air superiority to score breakthroughs, experts say.
The integrated air-ground campaign could give Ukraine what it needs to break through Russian defenses.

Ukraine will soon receive F-16s, combat-proven Western fighter jets able to augment the war-torn country's depleted force of aging Soviet-era aircraft.