Europe Eyes 120-Fighter Jet Air Shield Over Ukraine to Counter Russian Strikes

European air forces could deploy a 120-fighter jet contingent to protect the skies over Kyiv and western Ukraine, aiming to counter Russian missile and drone attacks without escalating the war, The Guardian reported on March 6.

Dubbed “Sky Shield,” the initiative would be a European-led air defense zone operating independently from NATO. The plan envisions stopping Russian air assaults on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, potentially functioning as part of a “sky ceasefire.” This contingent will include F-16s, F-35s, Mirage, Eurofighter Typhoons, and JAS 39 Gripens.

According to recently published documents, the shield could cover Ukraine’s three active nuclear power plants, as well as Odesa and Lviv, but would not extend to the front lines or eastern regions. The report suggests it could have “a greater military, political, and socio-economic impact than 10,000 European ground troops.”

Lithuania’s former foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis called Sky Shield “a crucial step toward a stronger Europe, ensuring Ukraine’s security efficiently and effectively.”

While variations of this idea have been discussed since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, no progress had been made—until now. The latest version of the proposal gained new momentum this week after a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump.

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The plan was developed by former RAF strategic planners in collaboration with the Ukrainian Armed Forces and has been presented to European defense ministries. However, officials have been reluctant to approve direct air patrols over Ukraine while the war continues.

Still, recent developments have reignited discussions about safeguarding parts of Ukrainian airspace, especially as a potential security guarantee in case of a ceasefire.

Western governments remain wary of direct NATO involvement, fearing escalation if Russian forces target or shoot down one of the deployed fighter jets.

However, supporters argue the risk to pilots is minimal, as Moscow has avoided using its combat air force beyond front-line zones since 2022. The plan’s architects estimate that NATO-aligned jets would operate at least 200 km away from Russian aircraft, reducing the likelihood of confrontation.

The Sky Shield Plan: Key Details

• The initiative is backed by over 70 European and North American politicians, former ministers, and military officials, including:

  • Former Lithuanian FM Gabrielius Landsbergis

  • Former Polish President Aleksander Kwaśniewski

  • Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe Philip Breedlove

  • Former U.S. Army Europe Commander Ben Hodges

• The plan involves deploying 120 fighter jets—including F-16s, F-35s, Mirage, Eurofighter Typhoons, and JAS 39 Gripens—to patrol Ukrainian airspace and counter Russian missile and drone strikes.

• Support aircraft such as aerial radar planes, refueling tankers, and electronic warfare units would accompany the fighters.

• Patrolled zones would include Kyiv, Odesa, and western Ukraine, allowing Ukrainian jets to redeploy eastward for increased air defense over Kharkiv, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, and Kryvyi Rih.

• Primary bases for coalition aircraft would be located in Poland, Romania, and the Czech Republic, with additional airfields in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.

• While the project would rely on NATO command structures, intelligence, and infrastructure, it would not be a NATO-led mission.

• Analysts argue Sky Shield would be more effective in deterring Russian aggression than deploying 10,000 foreign troops to Ukraine.

Earlier, U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress strategic bomber, capable of carrying nuclear weapons, was observed flying over Estonian airspace. The aircraft was accompanied by multiple F-35A Lightning II fighter jets and periodically approached the Russian border.