Written By Lisa Murimi
Ukraine has welcomed its first American-made F-16 fighter jets, marking a significant advancement in its air force capabilities.
President Volodymyr Zelensky celebrated the arrival at a ceremony held at an undisclosed airbase, surrounded by two of the new aircraft.
In his address, Zelensky expressed gratitude to international allies for their support in providing the F-16s, despite initial reluctance.
He acknowledged, however, that additional jets are necessary to fully bolster Ukraine’s air defense, which currently relies on aging Soviet-era fighters.
The arrival of the F-16s, which are set to enhance Ukraine’s ability to conduct strikes and defend against Russian attacks, is part of a broader commitment from NATO countries.
Since August 2023, approximately 65 F-16s have been pledged by Denmark, the Netherlands, and the US.
While the exact number of jets delivered remains unspecified, the addition of these aircraft represents a crucial boost for Ukraine’s military.
The F-16s are expected to complement existing surface-to-air missile systems and provide air support to Ukrainian ground forces. However, Ukraine faces challenges, including a shortage of trained pilots and the risk of Russian attacks on its new equipment.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has warned that Western-supplied F-16s will be targeted but added that their impact on the conflict’s progression might be limited.
