New batch of F-16 fighter jets arrived in Ukraine
Archive photo: Zelenskyy announces arrival of F-16 fighter jets in Ukraine (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukrainian Air Force receives a new batch of F-16 fighter jets, according to President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy's statement during a Zoom briefing for journalists.
"Additional F-16s have arrived in Ukraine. The Russians are lying, claiming they shot something down, but they didn't shoot anything down. The good news is that a few F-16s have arrived in Ukraine," Zelenskyy said.
Background
Today, several Russian media outlets began claiming that an F-16 was shot down in the Sumy region. However, according to the head of the Communications Department of the Ukrainian Air Force Command, Yurii Ihnat, these Russian claims are just another piece of propaganda.
"F-16 pilots successfully carried out their operations against the Russians once again today. And this happens every day, the combat work continues," emphasized Ihnat.
F-16 for Ukraine
In 2023, Ukraine and its allies formed an aviation coalition to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets. According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine needs at least 128 F-16 fighters.
In 2024, the first F-16s arrived in Ukraine from its partners. The exact number of aircraft delivered to Ukraine remains unclear. The first F-16s were provided by the Netherlands and Denmark.
It is known that Belgium will deliver 30 fighter jets to Ukraine by the end of 2028.
Currently, Ukrainian pilots continue their training on the F-16s. The training is taking place in several countries, including the United States.
