Ukraine has begun constructing underground shelters to house its newly received F-16 and Mirage 2000 fighter jets, according to The National Interest. The initiative, the outlet reports, is aimed at protecting the aircraft from potential strikes by Russian forces.

The article notes that these advanced Western jets have become high-priority targets for the Russian military. To reduce the risk of being detected and destroyed, Ukrainian pilots are now forced to fly at extremely low altitudes-an approach that adds significant difficulty to combat operations.

Back on July 22, the Ukrainian Air Force reported the crash of a Mirage 2000 in the Volyn region. The fighter reportedly went down in a swamp after the pilot declared a «critical electronics malfunction.»

In light of these vulnerabilities, Kyiv is keeping the exact locations of the jets secret, aware of their critical role in Ukraine’s air defense. However, as the publication highlights, deliveries of F-16s and Mirages alone are not enough. To use these aircraft effectively, Ukraine must build not only the logistical support but also robust protective infrastructure-starting with the underground bunkers now under construction.