The Ukrainian Air Force is undergoing its most important phase in its history. Engaged in an existential struggle with one of the most powerful air forces in the world, the Ukrainian Air Force is changing its whole core and culture at the same time.  

In the next months and years, the Ukrainian Air Force is set to introduce several hundred fighter jets of different types, revolutionizing its capabilities but also embarking on a quest for change.  

When the Russian military invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the Ukrainian Air Force operated a small number of older Soviet and Russian aircraft, including MiG-29 Fulcrum, Su-24 Fencer, Su-25 Frogfoot, and Su-27 Flanker fighter and attack jets.  

Despite their small numbers and old aircraft, the Ukrainian pilots managed to prevent the Russian Aerospace Forces from establishing air superiority over the battlefield. Ukraine’s air defense systems also helped in that goal. 

Today, almost four years later, the Ukrainian Air Force is changing.  

In a recent visit to France, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with French president........

© The National Interest