Russian Overseas Minister Sergei Lavrov has warned that his nation has to keep in mind that F-16 fighters, which the West is ready to ship to Ukraine, had been designed with a nuclear strike functionality. “Something will be anticipated from the leaders of the U.S. and different Western nations. They’re already proving this when, following superior long-range weapons and tanks, they’re now critically making ready F-16s. Some individuals say two squadrons are set to be transferred, others say there will probably be eight. They’re making ready to proceed to escalate the struggle that was unleashed in opposition to us,” he said. He added concerning the F-16s that: “There may be a whole lot of speak about the place these planes will take off from. Our armed forces and the Basic Workers of the Russian Armed Forces perceive this completely and report it to the supreme commander-in-chief. We should needless to say one of many modifications of the F-16 has the aptitude to ship nuclear weapons. If they don’t perceive this, then they’re nugatory as army strategists and planners.” The Overseas Minister’s statements coincide with these from Ukrainian Defence Minister Alexey Reznikov confirming that F-16s won’t be able to contribute to offensives which Kiev not too long ago initiated in opposition to Russian positions.
Lavrov’s feedback on the F-16s come as Ukrainian and allied Polish militia forces have launched important incursions into Russian territory, with missile and drone strikes from Ukraine having expanded the scope of the struggle additional eastwards. The F-16 is a single engine light-weight fourth technology fighter which first entered service within the U.S. Air Power in 1978, and which the Pentagon ceased acquisitions of 18 years in the past in 2005 with the fleet starting to downsize in 2010. The plane, and notably the essential Chilly Conflict variants with mechanically scanned array radars which Ukraine is predicted to obtain, are thought of out of date for top depth engagements which has raised severe questions concerning their effectiveness, and potential reputational loss, ought to they be deployed in Ukraine. The US was initially reluctant to supply the fighters, earlier than amending its place in late Might beneath appreciable European strain. The F-16 and its successor the F-35 are designed to be able to launching nuclear strikes, normally utilizing B61 tactical warheads, with F-16 items deployed by America’s European allies Belgium and the Netherlands notably additionally coaching to make use of nuclear weapons as a part of nuclear sharing agreements with the US. Russia has prior to now repeatedly warned that Ukraine might try and reacquire nuclear weapons, or wanting {that a} soiled bomb, citing statements from a number of Ukrainian officers indicating such intentions.
