Ukrainian Air Base Targeted as Russia Eyes F-16 Arrivals

Officials have not disclosed the location where the F-16 fighter jets will be stationed, but after last Thursday’s strike on Starokostiantyniv, Moscow claimed it targeted airfields it believed would host the jets.

Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, the air base has faced frequent attacks, including those from drones and hypersonic missiles.

Residents of this historic military town, home to about 30,000 people and known as Starkon, in Ukraine’s Khmelnytskyi region, have adapted to the ongoing threat.

“It’s ‘fun’ living here,” said city official and local culture expert Vasyl Muliar with a wry smile, following the recent attack.

A Ukrainian air force spokesperson acknowledged that the strikes posed “certain difficulties” but insisted they would not hinder the delivery or use of the F-16s in combat.

Officials remain tight-lipped about specifics regarding attacks on military bases and critical infrastructure.

Military analysts suggest that the Russians are likely targeting air base infrastructure, such as runways and storage facilities, to complicate the deployment of F-16s and, eventually, the jets themselves.

Justin Bronk from the Royal United Services Institute noted that the Ukrainian military, which is running low on air-defense ammunition, might have to move the valuable planes between airfields.

“Any ground-based air defense can be overwhelmed if the Russians decide to launch enough missiles at a single target,” he said.

Debris in Cherry Trees

Following last Thursday’s attack, Governor Serhiy Tyurin reported that air defenses had destroyed nine targets over his region. Just before the attack, the air force had warned residents that drones were heading toward Starokostiantyniv.

Local residents, cautious not to reveal sensitive military information, described living under the constant threat of strikes and the frequent noise of Ukrainian warplanes overhead.

Iryna Sapchuk, editor-in-chief of the local newspaper Our City, shared that her parents’ home had been damaged in a previous raid, with the roof and shed taking a hit.

“They found missile debris in a cherry tree by the window,” she added.