At the scene of Kharkiv shelling, F-16 fighter jets are expected to be able to protect the city from guided bombs

The commander of the Dutch Air Force, Gen. Arnoud Stallmann believes that the first F-16 fighter jets will take to the skies over Ukraine as early as this summer.

"About this summer everything is lining up", the commander said.

It is noted that Ukraine has been waiting months to start using the fighter jets and hopes their introduction will change the dynamics of the war and force russia to suspend strikes in border regions.

Aviation experts believe russia will be forced to change tactics and the Ukrainian military will be able to use F-16s against russian planes that launch guided bombs from 50 to 70 kilometers away.

"In recent weeks, russia has used KABs extensively against the city of Kharkiv, launching bombs from planes that remain in russian airspace. Numerous Ukrainian sources have reported that F-16s will defend Ukraine's second city from these weapons", the publication wrote.

On June 14, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed optimism that Ukraine would receive U.S. F-16 fighter jets and related capabilities as early as this summer.

At the time, the F-16s would be used to defend Ukraine's second city from these weapons.