Zelenskyy: we’ll boost Ukrainian Air Force capabilities
![Zelenskyy: we’ll boost Ukrainian Air Force capabilities](https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/static/img/1/_/1_447298fabc94588a5b746fed14306099_1300x820_fa9e10182bcfa8972112b5a5ef2ff82d_650x410.jpg)
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukrainian forces have destroyed thousands of Russian missiles and drones. Ukraine will do everything possible to enhance the capabilities of its Air Force, states Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Telegram.
The President congratulated Ukrainian defenders on Air Force Day.
"Ukraine will always be grateful to everyone who dedicates themselves daily to serving our country and protecting our people from Russian terror. Today, we especially thank all our defenders of the sky — the Ukrainian Air Force — for every Russian target they have brought down, for their effectiveness and precision," the President stated.
Zelenskyy added that Ukraine has been countering Russian aerial attacks since the first days of the full-scale war. Ukrainian forces have destroyed thousands of Russian missiles and drones, as well as hundreds of Russian combat aircraft and helicopters.
"These are significant results. And we are doing everything to ensure that the Ukrainian Air Force can achieve even more. They definitely will," he emphasized.
It is worth noting that today, August 4, Ukraine is celebrating Air Force Day.
F-16s for Ukraine
Partner countries have agreed to strengthen the Ukrainian Air Force as part of an aviation coalition. Allies have decided to transfer multi-role F-16 fighters to Ukraine.
According to Bloomberg, the first F-16 fighters have already arrived in Ukraine.
The Times reported that Ukraine has received six F-16 aircraft from the Netherlands. Unconfirmed reports suggest they have already been used, but only for air defense.
For more details on the arrival of the F-16s and any initial combat use, see the RBC-Ukraine article.