Most F-16 fighters in Ukraine are out of action

Most of the F-16 fighters owned by Kyiv are out of action. By the end of the year, Ukraine may be left without serviceable aircraft, writes the American newspaper The Wall Street Journal, citing a source.

According to the publication’s interlocutor, more than half of the F-16s in Ukraine are undergoing long-term technical maintenance. After every 300 flight hours, aircraft require a "step inspection" to keep the engine, avionics, hydraulics, fuel lines and other systems in working order.

Retired Air Force Lt. Gen. David Deptula noted that fighter jets deployed in combat may require more maintenance than those used in peacetime, and component shortages can also lead to delays. “But, regardless of the reason, this is a failure of support that is developing into an air defense crisis,” he added.