Here we are again for another edition of my update on Putin’s War.
The major war news of the week is that F-16s finally arrived in Ukraine. In May 2023, the Biden Defense Department stopped dragging its feet and allowed NATO allies to transfer F-16s replaced by F-35 fifth-generation fighters to Ukraine; see US Announces Ukraine Will Get F-16 Fighters as Antony Blinken Takes Control of Policy – RedState.
🇺🇦 F-16 ARRIVES IN UKRAINE!
First delivery of the F-16 fighter jets from NATO has arrived in Ukraine.#F16 #UkraineRussiaWar️️
🎥 Video for Representation: pic.twitter.com/Rog55oK9qv— Beats in Brief (@beatsinbrief) July 31, 2024
Unlike some commentators, I don’t see the F-16 as a game-changer, but it will force some modifications on how the Russians fight. Cruise missiles will become less important as F-16s are available to fly combat air patrol over vital Ukrainian…