Ukraine has received its first batch of US-made F-16 jets, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Sunday, quickly adding that more are needed to beat back Russian forces.
For more than two years, Ukraine has pleaded with its Western partners for the aircraft — long considered the crown jewel in the sprawling list of military hardware Kyiv has sought.
“We often heard the word ‘impossible.’ Now it is a reality. Reality in our skies. F-16s in Ukraine. We made it happen,” Zelenskiy said, as some flew above him during the announcement.
Photo: AFP
Zelenskiy was standing in front of what looked like two gray, partially-covered F-16s branded with the Ukrainian trident, in a location reporters were asked not to disclose for security reasons.
“I am proud of all our guys who are mastering these aircraft and have already started using them for our country,” he said.
He did not say how many jets had been delivered and declined to comment on their specific tasks, but journalists saw at least two F-16s.
The announcement was welcomed by many as Kyiv’s forces are struggling to hold back advances by Russian troops.
“This is the combat aircraft we have been waiting for, which can significantly enhance our capabilities,” Ukrainian parliament chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk said.
Kyiv hopes the arrival of the fighter jets — touted for their precision, speed and range — would enable it to better protect itself from Russian bombardment.
They could begin to provide an offensive air capability to Ukraine, a report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies said.
Their decisiveness would depend on a number of factors, including the types of weapons provided with the planes and proficiency levels of pilots, the report said.
Zelenskiy immediately warned more were needed.
“Our partners know that the number of F-16s we have in Ukraine, the number of pilots who have already been trained, is not enough,” he said. “The good news is that we are expecting additional F-16s.”
Several NATO members have pledged to supply varying numbers of the fighter jets, and have been training Ukrainian pilots and crews for months.
“Our guys are training a lot,” Zelenskiy said, thanking Denmark, the Netherlands, the US and other allies.
Amid a Russian air campaign, Kyiv has placed Ukraine’s need for improved air defenses at the top of the agenda in meetings with allies.
“I am grateful to our allies for this decision. First and foremost, the effective use of modern aircraft means saving the lives of Ukrainian servicemen,” Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander Oleksandr Syrsky said.
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