SerpApi.Org
Responding to Democratic Senator Richard Durbin regarding the potential consequences of suspending air defense funding for three years, General Caine detailed the current state and rapid expansion of Ukraine's sovereign defense capabilities.
"[...] I want to emphasize that the incredible work being done by the Ukrainian industrial base involves scaling their own capabilities. This ranges from their surface-to-air to air-to-air capabilities," Caine stated.
Read also: Ukraine receives new mobile F-16 simulators – Defense Ministry
The general confirmed the historical combat milestone in his testimony before Congress.
"Recently, we witnessed the first aerial duel in which a Ukrainian F-16 shot down a Russian fighter jet. Over the past few years, thanks to the support of many partners, Ukraine has significantly strengthened its layered defense system," Caine noted.
Caine emphasized that Ukraine's ability to scale its multi-layered air defense network has grown substantially over recent years due to sustained international coalition support.
The announcement follows a series of successful strikes conducted by Ukrainian forces against enemy aviation assets:
On July 21, Ukrainian Defense Forces struck a Russian MiG-29 fighter jet and a Pantsir-S1 anti-aircraft missile-gun system within Kursk Oblast.
On July 17, Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) destroyed a Russian Tu-95 strategic bomber in Engels, a key aircraft utilized by Russian forces for long-range missile strikes against Ukraine.
On June 18, Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken stated that Belgium could transfer all of its remaining F-16 fighter jets (over 40 aircraft) to Ukraine once it receives its new F-35 replacements. Earlier media reports in March indicated that none of the 30 promised Belgian F-16s had arrived yet due to F-35 delivery delays.
Read also: Ukraine could receive up to 129 Western fighter jets by 2030
On April 8, reports confirmed that Norway had likewise not yet delivered six promised F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.
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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Section: Nation
Author: Дарина Халперина
