They will be there .. Dutch government finished all the burocratic hupla. I think the biggest issue is basing the planes in Ukraine. I'll expect some to be stationed in the EU and Ukraine rotating them out for big maintenance. And keeping it in the news is a part of the media strategy too.

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[–] FrostyTrichs@sh.itjust.works 7 points 2 years ago (4 children)

So much for being secretive about it unless this is a diversion.

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[–] SpaceCowboy@lemmy.ca 10 points 2 years ago (2 children)

It's basically impossible to keep something like this a secret. The pilots have been in training a long time and they're not just sending planes, but also the means to maintain them.

Besides there are dangers in keeping it secret. Having F-16s suddenly doing attack runs on the Russian military out of nowhere could result in the Kremlin coming to the wrong conclusions.

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[–] FrostyTrichs@sh.itjust.works 4 points 2 years ago (1 child)

This isn't lost on me, but other articles have mentioned that Ukraine has been requesting countries not announce things related to F-16 arrivals.

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[–] snugglesthefalse@sh.itjust.works 3 points 2 years ago

It's a general opsec principle, yes everyone else might know what you're doing but why hand them info for free?

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[–] vzq@lemmy.blahaj.zone 4 points 2 years ago

It’s not the easiest thing to hide. They look very distinctive and make a lot of noise.

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[–] sunzu@kbin.run 5 points 2 years ago (3 children)

Great, I doubt they will fly combat missions this year though. Hopefully Ukraine can start challenging the airspace in earnest tin 2025.

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[–] BassTurd@lemmy.world 4 points 2 years ago (2 children)

Why do you believe they won't do combat missions this year? I have no perspective on this so truly a genuine question. I know there has been training for a bit now, so I figured that would make pilots combat ready and I assumed they're already have been planning for the arrival to be ready.

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[–] Pilferjinx@lemmy.world 4 points 2 years ago (1 child)

I think it would be wise to wait until they have the initiative again so they can combine all efforts with greater effect and safety. Ukraine's last offensive was a wash because of the fortified line and mines which slowed them down enough to be easy pickings for Russian air attacks.

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[–] fine_sandy_bottom@discuss.tchncs.de 1 point 2 years ago

Maybe they should take advantage of opportunities as they arise.

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