What is the current thinking in the west? Nevertheless, Kyiv hoped squadrons of fast jets could be used to support a breakthrough, or least help blunt a major Russian attack. The former US Air Force general Philip Breedlove has described the air situation as one of “mutual denial”. Russia’s anti-aircraft defences are considered effective, and Moscow has been reluctant to risk its own air force beyond the frontline, as it also wants to minimise losses. But as time goes on, its air force will need to be replenished.Ī curious feature of the Ukraine war has been its relatively limited use of air power. That number has dwindled as the war has continued, though – remarkably, given the number of Russian aircraft and air defences – experts say Ukraine retains a limited air capability. Ukraine had a small air force of Soviet-standard jets at the start of the war, amounting to about 120 combat-capable aircraft, according to the IISS thinktank. That’s because it is cheaper – costing in the tens of millions – and because the US does not always give export permission for the more modern jet.

Today, it has been superseded by the F-35, but it is still being manufactured for sale by Lockheed in South Carolina. Lockheed Martin, the US manufacturer, says there are more than 3,000 F-16s in service in 25 countries. Originally built by the US in a consortium with Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway, the jet, which can travel twice the speed of sound, became one of the most popular military aircraft of all time and remains in wide use.

F 16 fighter jet cockpit