In Ukraine, anticipation is growing over the imminent delivery of Western-made F-16 fighter jets. They are expected to arrive in the coming weeks, and Kyiv says they will be a game-changer in its efforts to repel Russia’s invasion. However, speculation is rife over where they will be based. Many Ukrainians are concerned that having the jets in their neighborhood could lead to intensified Russian attacks.
The long wait is almost over. After months of intense training and preparations, F-16 fighter jets are about to touch down in Ukraine. They cannot come soon enough for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He says the planes are a game-changer, giving Kyiv the chance to break Russia’s dominance of Ukraine’s airspace. But keeping the jets safe will now be a priority, and speculation is rife over where they will be stationed. Ukraine has not confirmed where they are going to park the aircraft, but many experts say one air force base in Western Ukraine is an ideal candidate.
The Starokostiantyniv base is located roughly halfway between Kyiv and Lviv. It is home to Ukraine’s seventh tactical aviation brigade, and with its Soviet-era underground shelters, it is a logical option. But in the town of Starokostiantyniv, just across the river, people are concerned. Many locals say they appreciate all the support Ukraine gets from abroad, but they increasingly fear being caught in Moscow’s crosshairs. Concentrating such high-value weapons in one place means that the enemy will seek to destroy these weapons.
Starokostiantyniv has often felt Russia’s wrath in this conflict. In August 2023, Ukrainian authorities say Moscow bombed a corn storage facility in the region. As recently as mid-July, Kyiv says it shot down five Russian cruise missiles and 11 drones targeting Starokostiantyniv. Air defense forces in the region say that Russia has been stepping up its attacks over the past month, trying to find weaknesses and experimenting with new techniques.
Not everyone believes the F-16s will be able to turn the tide in this war, but they will give Ukraine a chance to try something new.
