Ukraine has taken delivery of its inaugural fleet of American-made F-16 fighter jets, marking a significant milestone in bolstering its air force capabilities, announced President Volodymyr Zelensky at a ceremony held at a undisclosed airbase. Flanked by two of the advanced aircraft, Zelensky expressed gratitude to Ukraine’s allies for providing the jets, which were initially met with hesitation.
The arrival of the F-16s represents a crucial upgrade for Ukraine’s air force, which has largely relied on outdated Soviet-era jets. Although more aircraft are expected to follow, Zelensky acknowledged that Ukraine currently lacks sufficient trained pilots to operate the entire fleet.
The President did not disclose the exact number of jets delivered or their country of origin, but thanked Denmark, the Netherlands, and the US for their contributions. NATO countries have pledged around 65 F-16s to Ukraine since US President Joe Biden authorized their transfer in August 2023.
As Western militaries phase out the aging F-16s in favor of the newer F-35s, Ukraine’s acquisition of these jets is seen as a significant boost to its air force. The F-16s will complement a limited number of Western-supplied surface-to-air missile systems, such as Patriot and Nasams, already deployed in Ukraine.
With their capacity to carry a range of munitions, the F-16s are expected to enhance Ukraine’s ability to conduct strikes deep within occupied territory and potentially target locations close to the Russian border. They may also help counter Russian glide bombs, which have been used extensively in recent months.
However, experts note that Ukraine must ensure the safe storage and protection of the F-16s on the ground to prevent them from becoming targets for Russian forces. Kremlin officials have vowed to shoot down any Western-made F-16s operating in Ukrainian airspace, but experts believe the jets could play a crucial role in supporting Ukrainian ground forces and pushing back Russian aircraft.
