91download.com supports a wide range of platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, Dailymotion, Reddit, Bilibili, Douyin, Xiaohongshu and Zhihu, etc. Click the download button below to parse and download the current video
As anticipation crescendos in Ukraine, the imminent delivery of Western-made F-16 fighter jets is poised to alter the landscape of the ongoing conflict. Expected to arrive in the coming weeks, these jets are heralded as a game-changing asset in Ukraine's quest to repel the relentless advance of Russian forces. But where will these jets be based, and what implications will their presence have on the local communities?
The long wait is nearly over, and with it, the Ukrainian President Vadir Zalinski sees the planes as a pivotal turning point. They are expected to shatter Russia's dominance over Ukraine's airspace. However, ensuring the safety of these jets is now paramount, and the question of their stationing remains a topic of fervent speculation. While Ukraine has yet to confirm their exact location, many experts suggest an Air Force Base in Western Ukraine as an ideal candidate.
But the residents of Staro Constantino, just across the river from the proposed base, are far from convinced. They appreciate the international support, but the concentration of such powerful weapons nearby has raised concerns. "For us as residents, this is a high risk factor," one local explained, fearing the town could become a prime target for Russian attacks.
The conflict has already taken a heavy toll on Staro Constantino, with the nearby region suffering from repeated bombings. In August 2023, a corn storage facility was bombed, and just weeks ago, the area's air defense forces intercepted multiple Russian cruise missiles and drones. The question looms: Can the F-16s turn the tide, or will they simply become a magnet for more intense attacks?
To delve deeper into this complex issue, we spoke with military analyst and former officer Frank LW from Oxford, UK. He believes the F-16s will add a crucial capability to Ukraine's air defense, but they are far from a decisive game changer. "They'll add another arrow to the quiver, but they're in no way decisive," he explained, adding that the jets' strike capabilities will likely be limited due to the time required to integrate necessary systems.
When it comes to the pilots, Frank asserts that while they have received substantial training, they are not yet at the level of NATO pilots. "They'll be able to carry out basic air defense functions, but they're not going to be operating at the level of NATO forces," he stated.
The issue of vulnerability remains a significant concern. Concentrating these jets in one location requires robust air defense systems to protect them, which diverts resources from other critical areas. "The edge they offer in the air is somewhat counterbalanced by the need to defend them with rare and valuable air defense systems," Frank noted.
Looking ahead, the Institute for the Study of War suggests that the Russian military is shifting its focus to the Donet region, which could pose a significant challenge for Ukraine's already stretched forces. "We will continue to see Ukraine being pushed back, but I don't foresee any major breakthroughs," Frank predicted.
As the F-16s prepare to take to the skies, the people of Ukraine hold their breath, hoping for a game-changing转折 but bracing for the possibility of a double-edged sword.
Share on Twitter Share on Facebook