Ukraine prepares F16 arrival with underground base.

The Ukrainian Air Force has announced that it is preparing for the arrival of F-16 fighter jets by constructing underground storage facilities and bunkers at its bases. This development comes as part of a broader strategy to protect these highly sought-after aircraft during their stay at the bases.
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photo Zelensky, visits F16 warehouse in England ( 2023) (Picture source: CNN)

Major Ilya Yevlash, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian Armed Forces' Air Force, mentioned that Ukraine's plans to secure the jets are meticulously laid out, requiring significant preparation and investment in their base locations, including costly underground shelters and bunkers. Efforts are underway to determine the best methods for deploying these facilities.

Yevlash also indicated that Ukraine would disperse the aircraft across various types of bases, making them harder for Russia to detect.

Ukraine is expected to receive its first F-16 jets this summer, with Ukrainian pilots having been in training for several months on these advanced jet fighters in allied countries. Belgium has announced that the first F-16s are expected to arrive by summer 2024. Meanwhile, France has disclosed that a group of Ukrainian pilots who initially trained in England is now stationed at the Cazaux Air Base, a French Air Force training center focused on air-to-air and air-to-ground combat and cannon shooting.

Overall, the allies of Ukraine have committed to delivering about forty F-16s, a move that holds significant hope for Ukraine regarding the iconic American aircraft.

Maps of known airbases in Ukraine

Legend: blue pin: current active airbase,red pin :  closed airbase, green pin: civilian airbase-emercom (Picture source: X/@geo_politie)