NATO Fighter Jets to Protect Western Ukraine from Russian Missiles (Video)

A group of European politicians and former military officials have put forward a plan to deploy 120 fighter jets over western Ukraine to shield the country from Russian missile and drone attacks. The initiative, known as SkyShield, aims to create an air defence system that would protect Ukrainian cities and infrastructure during a possible ceasefire. The fighter jets would operate from bases in Poland, Romania, and the Czech Republic, patrolling areas where there is no active fighting, including Kyiv and Odessa. The project would use NATO infrastructure and command structures, but it is not officially a NATO mission.

Aviation expert Konstantin Krivolap, a former test engineer at the Antonov Design Bureau of Ukraine, explained that this idea was developed by specialists from the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom in the early days of the Russian invasion. British military planners focused on risk assessment and identifying potential threats to Ukraine’s airspace. The concept is already well developed from a technological and logistical perspective, with no significant weaknesses.

According to expert calculations, the use of fighter jets to intercept Russian cruise missiles and Shahed drones is an effective strategy. The aircraft involved in the operation would include the Rafale, Eurofighter, Mirage, and potentially F16 jets, depending on which countries contribute to the mission. All participating aircraft will follow NATO standards. The jets will not engage smaller drones, as this is not their primary function. However, they will not be able to intercept ballistic missiles, as there are no aircraft in the world capable of doing so.

The patrol zone will focus on the western and partially central regions of Ukraine. To minimise risk, the mission’s aircraft will stay at least 200 kilometres from the Russian border or active combat zones. Russian fighter jets rarely approach Ukrainian-controlled areas at a distance closer than 30 to 40 kilometres, meaning the European fighter jets will operate beyond their reach.

The initiative represents a major step in reinforcing Ukraine’s air defence. If approved, it would provide additional protection against Russian air attacks, strengthening Ukraine’s ability to defend its cities and critical infrastructure.