Ukraine receives first batch of F-16 fighter jets to bolster defense

Europe, News August 3, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

Ukraine has received its first batch of F-16 fighter jets. The confirmation came from Lithuania’s Foreign Minister and several other officials. The delivery marks a pivotal moment in Ukraine’s defense strategy, as the country has been seeking advanced fighter jets since the early days of Russia’s invasion in February 2022.

While the exact details and numbers are kept confidential, unnamed U.S. and Ukrainian officials confirmed to the media that the first jets had been delivered.

According to reports, Ukraine has received six F-16 combat aircraft, while some media outlets have reported that a top advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy refrained from confirming or denying the arrival of the F-16s, indicating a strategic reticence on Ukraine’s part.

“F-16s in Ukraine. Another impossible thing turned out to be totally possible,” Vilnius’ Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis wrote on X (formerly Twitter), reflecting the sentiment of determination and progress shared by Ukraine and its allies.

The anticipation surrounding the arrival of these jets has been building for months. In July, Bloomberg reported that Ukraine was set to receive six F-16s this summer and up to 20 by the end of the year. This follows U.S. President Joe Biden’s approval in August 2023 for F-16s to be sent to Ukraine, though the U.S. will not be providing the jets directly.

Ukrainian pilots and maintenance crews have been undergoing extensive training on the F-16s in Western countries. Last month, the White House asserted that “Ukraine will be flying operational F-16s this summer.”

^{Three U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets fly with KC-46A Pegasus during Reg Flag-Alaska 23-3 over the Joint Pacific-Alaska Range Complex, Alaska. (Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense/via X)}

The Netherlands and Denmark, both NATO members, have spearheaded the initiative to supply F-16s to Ukraine, with Norway and Belgium also pledging support. Together, these four countries have promised a total of 79 of the fourth-generation multirole fighter jets.

While it remains to be seen whether the introduction of F-16s will dramatically alter the dynamics of the conflict, defense officials are optimistic that these jets will help Ukraine challenge Russia’s air superiority, particularly in strategic regions like the Black Sea.

Historically, F-16s have proven to be highly versatile and effective in various conflicts around the world. First taken to the skies half a century ago, around 2,000 of these aircraft remain in active service across U.S.-aligned countries.

Over 4,000 F-16s have been sold globally, with more than 25 countries operating them today. The jets have played crucial roles in enforcing no-fly zones in Iraq during the Gulf War, and have been actively used in conflicts in the Balkans, Afghanistan, Libya, and Syria.

As Ukraine integrates these advanced fighters into its air force, the international community watches closely, hopeful that this enhancement in military capability will support Ukraine in its struggle amid the ongoing war.