KYIV- Ukraine is preparing a major restructuring of its air force as it accelerates the transition from Soviet-era military aircraft and infrastructure to Western fighter jets. The reform will reshape how aviation units operate, how military airfields support combat aircraft, and how the country maintains its growing fleet of Western-designed fighters.
The modernization programme in UKRAINE comes as the country expands its use of American F-16 Fighting Falcons and French Mirage 2000-5 fighters while preparing to introduce Swedish Saab Gripen aircraft. Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yurii Ihnat outlined the plans in an interview with RBC-Ukraine on October 26, 2026, describing a new organizational structure designed to support multiple Western aircraft types.
Ukraine Plans Air Force Reform
The planned transformation extends to 2035 and will introduce aviation units organized around the wing principle, alongside multi-purpose air bases.
Rather than assigning infrastructure to individual aircraft models, the Ukrainian Air Force wants facilities that can accommodate, maintain, and supply different Western fighter types.
The service has already taken an initial step by establishing a Facebook presence for its 107th F-16 Aviation Wing. The new structure is intended to bring Ukraine’s military aviation closer to NATO organizational standards while providing greater flexibility in deploying its aircraft.
Ivano-Frankivsk illustrates the infrastructure challenge. According to Ihnat, the airfield’s existing technical facilities were primarily designed around the Soviet-era MiG-29. Under the proposed system, such bases will need equipment and support arrangements capable of handling different aircraft models rather than relying on infrastructure built for one fighter type.
F-16 And Gripen Plans
Ukraine is also looking to strengthen its existing F-16 fleet through cooperation with American manufacturer Lockheed Martin. Discussions have covered aircraft repairs, maintenance requirements, and potential improvements to the performance of the fighters already delivered to the country.
The Ukrainian Air Force currently operates older Block 15 F-16s previously used by other countries. Their intensive deployment during the war has increased the need for maintenance, while their remaining service life presents another long-term consideration.
Ihnat said Ukrainian pilots would prefer the newer F-16 Block 70/72 configuration. These aircraft would offer improved opportunities when confronting advanced Russian fighters, including the Sukhoi Su-35, Aero Telegraph flagged.
Swedish Gripen fighters are another important part of the modernization strategy. Ukraine expects to receive 16 Saab JAS 39 Gripen C/D aircraft as military assistance in early 2027, while a separate agreement signed on June 30, 2026, covers the procurement of 16 newer Gripen E fighters.
Deliveries of the Gripen E aircraft are scheduled to begin in early 2029. The agreement also includes technical assistance, aircraft equipment, and logistical support, with Ukrainian pilots and technical personnel already undergoing training in Sweden. France’s Mirage 2000-5 fighters are also part of Ukraine’s expanding Western aircraft inventory.
Wartime Maintenance Challenges
The transition comes as Ukrainian aircraft face sustained operational pressure. According to Ihnat, Russian forces deployed approximately 3,500 jet-powered drones against Ukraine in September 2026, increasing the demands on the country’s air defence network.
These faster unmanned aircraft create additional interception challenges, requiring Ukrainian fighters to remain available for repeated defensive missions.
Consequently, maintenance capacity, spare parts and technical support have become increasingly important alongside the acquisition of new aircraft.
Ukraine’s transition also reflects a broader European shift away from Soviet-designed military aviation. Slovakia retired its MiG-29 fighters in 2022, while Poland transferred 14 MiG-29s to Ukraine in 2023 as it continued modernizing its fleet.
Poland completed another significant milestone in September 2025 when it officially retired its remaining Soviet-designed Sukhoi Su-22 fighter-bombers. Ukraine’s planned transformation is considerably broader, combining new aircraft, upgraded existing fighters, and redesigned air force infrastructure.
The reform does not represent an immediate withdrawal of every Soviet-era aircraft. Instead, Kyiv is pursuing a long-term transition towards a Western-based fleet and organizational structure that can support different fighter types.
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