Zelenskyy says more Western fighter jets coming as Ukraine aims for full NATO integration

"Just this year, our Air Force received Mirages, combat aircraft from France, and additional F-16s. More will come," the Ukrainian President said.

Zelenskyy informed that the next phases of combat aviation development were approved today. These include new platforms and further steps to integrate Ukrainian forces with military partners.

"Our goal is full and effective integration of the Ukrainian Air Force with NATO forces. This will clearly provide more capabilities to Ukraine's defense. At the same time, it will make our country a stronger part of Europe's defense," he concluded.

Ukrainian aviation shifts to NATO standards

Today, Ukrainian Minister of Defense Denys Shmyhal announced that Ukraine has developed a roadmap to build aviation capabilities based on NATO standards.

The document was created on the foundation of NATO's Joint Air Power Strategy. The minister explained that this doctrine is a strategic document outlining the principles and methods of using the Alliance's air forces for security and deterrence of aggression.

"This strategy is central to NATO's defense approach. It forms the basis for training new Alliance members and partners. The roadmap is structured according to the key functions defined in NATO's strategy," Shmyhal said.

He also explained that the roadmap aims to strengthen Ukraine's ability to:

• Employ aviation during combined operations and NATO-related activities;
• Effectively strike the enemy amid ongoing aggression;
• Prevent enemy advances and deter future threats.

Shmyhal emphasized that, thanks to this document, the Ukrainian Air Force will develop capabilities to deter enemy aggression through its ability to apply air power according to NATO standards.