The first European-supplied F-16 fighter jets are expected to arrive in Ukraine in the coming weeks (possibly at the end of June or in July). Ukrainian Brigadier General Serhiy Holubtsov, the Ukrainian Air Force Chief of Aviation, confirmed in an interview that Ukraine will keep some of its F-16s in bases outside of Ukraine. The announcement comes as Ukrainian efforts to degrade and destroy Russian air defense assets in Ukraine appear to be picking up steam. Some have suggested the destruction of Russia’s S-300/S-400 systems is preparing the way for the F-16s to strike into occupied Crimea.