Ukrainian pilots have begun operating F-16 fighter jets within the country, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on Sunday, confirming the arrival of these U.S.-made aircraft more than 29 months after Russia’s invasion. Zelenskiy revealed the deployment of the F-16s during a visit to an air base, where he was accompanied by two of the jets on the ground and two more in the sky.
The president expressed pride in the Ukrainian pilots who are now training on these jets and utilizing them for national defense. The specific location of this event was kept confidential for security reasons.
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Ukraine’s top military commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, praised the arrival of the F-16s, highlighting their potential to save Ukrainian soldiers’ lives and increase the effectiveness of air defenses. He emphasized that the jets would help destroy more Russian targets and intercept missiles and aircraft used against Ukrainian cities. While the introduction of the F-16s is a significant development, the exact number available and their potential impact on the conflict are still uncertain.
Russia has been targeting potential F-16 bases and has vowed to shoot down the new aircraft. The F-16s, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, had been highly sought after by Ukraine due to their firepower and widespread availability, featuring a 20mm cannon and capabilities to carry bombs, rockets, and missiles.
New Stage
Speaking to reporters at an airfield, President Zelenskiy acknowledged that Ukraine currently lacks both sufficient trained pilots and an adequate number of F-16 jets. He noted, however, that additional F-16s are anticipated and many pilots are undergoing training.
Zelenskiy emphasized the need for Kyiv’s allies to expand training programs for Ukrainian pilots and engineers to accelerate their preparedness.
He highlighted that Ukraine had previously depended on outdated Soviet-era aircraft, which are less advanced compared to Russia’s more modern and numerous fleet. Russia’s superior air power has allowed it to carry out frequent long-range missile strikes and bombard Ukrainian front lines, aiding its slow advance in the east.
Zelenskiy described the arrival of the F-16s as a significant advancement for the Ukrainian Air Force, marking a shift towards Western combat aviation standards. He credited extensive diplomacy and numerous meetings for overcoming previous skepticism about acquiring the jets.
The specific types of missiles the F-16s are equipped with are still unclear, but military analysts suggest that longer-range missiles could enhance their impact on the battlefield. Zelenskiy also expressed hopes of working with allied neighboring countries to intercept Russian missiles through discussions at the Ukraine-NATO Council platform.
He acknowledged that this proposal might be challenging for partners due to concerns about escalating tensions, but he remains determined to pursue it.
