Military — 2026-10-28
Ukraine Plans to Rebuild Air Force on NATO Model by 2035 With Newer F-16 Block 70/72 Jets
BLUFUkraine's 2035 air force restructuring plan lacks a published timeline, funding commitment, or confirmed aircraft deals, leaving donors without a programmable requirement to resource against.
Air Force Command spokesman Yurii Ihnat said in an RBC-Ukraine interview on October 26 that a development strategy through 2035 is in place, shifting combat aviation to NATO-style wings
Analysis
Ukraine's air force has committed to NATO-style wings and multi-type bases by 2035, but only the 107th F-16 Aviation Wing exists, and no timetable, funding line or second wing has been published. The binding constraint is the fleet: Block 15 jets need repair and service-life work, no firm Block 70/72 or Lockheed Martin variant deal exists, and Gripen delivery awaits agreements not yet reached. Universal bases would turn wartime dispersal into permanent design. The announcement may instead be signaling to suppliers and donors to secure Block 70 and Gripen commitments, with the wings serving as presentation rather than funded reorganization. Donors should treat the plan as intent, not a requirement they can program sustainment, training or basing money against. Confidence is low because the account rests on one spokesman interview relayed secondhand by three outlets, with no Defence Ministry document to confirm the structure.
Ukraine's air force has committed to NATO-style wings and multi-type bases by 2035, but only the 107th F-16 Aviation Wing exists, and no timetable, funding line or second wing has been published. The binding constraint is the fleet: Block 15 jets need repair and service-life work, no firm Block 70/72 or Lockheed Martin variant deal exists, and Gripen delivery awaits agreements not yet reached. Universal bases would turn wartime dispersal into permanent design. The announcement may instead be signaling to suppliers and donors to secure Block 70 and Gripen commitments, with the wings serving as presentation rather than funded reorganization. Donors should treat the plan as intent, not a requirement they can program sustainment, training or basing money against. Confidence is low because the account rests on one spokesman interview relayed secondhand by three outlets, with no Defence Ministry document to confirm the structure.