Russia has promised substantial rewards to Ukrainian pilots who successfully deliver American-made F-16 fighter jets to Russian territory. Ukrainian pilots will receive $1 million (approximately 86.8 million rubles) if they land the F-16s safely on Russian soil.
This move by Russia comes in response to Ukraine’s plans to acquire F-16 fighter jets from Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway. Any Ukrainian pilot trained in the U.S. or Europe who manages to bring an F-16 to Russia will be rewarded with a significant fortune.
Additional Rewards and Citizenship Promise
Moscow aims to capture the F-16s intact and plans to expand the war trophy vehicle exhibit at Victory Park. To incentivize Ukrainian pilots, in addition to the $1 million reward, there is also a promise of Russian citizenship for pilots who deliver the jets.
Furthermore, if the F-16 jets come equipped with various types of missiles and bombs under their wings, the pilot’s reward will exceed $1 million.
Reward System by Russian Companies
Russian oil company Fores had previously promised a reward of $168,000 (15 million rubles) to the first Russian soldier who shoots down an F-16. Fores CEO Sergey Shmotyev announced that subsequent jets would earn 500,000 rubles ($5,600) each. These rewards attract the interest of Russians keen to study American aircraft and Western munitions closely.
Tensions Between Russia and NATO
Ukrainian pilots trained in the U.S. and the UK are set to carry out their first air operations with F-16s delivered to Kyiv this year. The UK and France have authorized the use of Storm Shadow/Scalp cruise missiles, carried by F-16s, on Russian territory. This development prompted the Kremlin to start tactical nuclear weapon drills, heightening the possibility of a conflict between Russia and NATO.
Russia’s Threats and Measures
Russia has declared that it will target F-16s used by Ukraine wherever they are found and warned that bases in neighboring countries hosting these jets could also become legitimate targets. The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that over 10,000 personnel were rewarded last year for destroying Ukrainian military targets such as HIMARS batteries, fighter jets, and helicopters. Rewards were also given to those who destroyed German Leopard and American ABRAMS tanks.
Russia showcases captured Ukrainian military vehicles and weapons at Victory Park in Moscow and awards 300,000 rubles to soldiers involved in destroying each HIMARS system both at the front line and in the rear.
This reward system demonstrates Russia’s determination to gain the upper hand in the conflict with Ukraine.
