This week, the Netherlands granted export licenses for 24 F16 fighter jets.
That Ukraine will get access to the coveted fighter jets was clear in August last year when the US gave the green light to Denmark and the Netherlands to deliver them to Ukraine. Exactly when the delivery will take place is not yet known, but it is expected to take place “soon”.
The F16 plan will change the playing field in the Black Sea region. That’s what Oleksiy Nejizhpapa, commander of the Ukrainian navy, says in an interview with Reuters.
“With the right weapons, the F16 plane will counter the Russian war plans,” says Nejizjpapa.
Had Sevastopol “for decades”
According to Oleksiy Nejizjpapa, recent robot and drone attacks from Ukraine have forced the Russians to relocate several warships anchored off the Crimean peninsula, and the important naval base in Sevastopol has reportedly become “ineffective.”
“They have been established there for several decades, perhaps centuries. Now it is clear that they are losing it,” says Nejizjpapa.
Ukraine lacks large warships and instead has filled smaller, unmanned military boats with explosives to attack Russian warships.
“Almost all combat-ready ships have been moved to Novorossiysk and the Sea of Azov, says Nejizjpapa
Avoids 25,000 sq.m
The naval base in Novorossiysk lacks many of the facilities and munitions found at the main base in Sevastopol, and according to Oleksiy Nejizjpapa, that is a major problem for the Russian Navy.
Due to recent drone attacks, Russia has also avoided an area of around 25,000 square meters in the northwestern Black Sea.
The Kremlin has not yet commented on Nejizjpapa’s interview with Reuters.