Ukraine has received the first F-16 fighter jets that it has sought for months to fight back against an onslaught of Russian missile strikes, a U.S. official confirmed to the Associated Press.
Ukraine has been pushing its Western allies for F-16s for Ukraine for months, saying they were critically needed to fight back against the onslaught of missiles Russia has fired against it. The F-16 is specialized in suppressing enemy air defenses. The West has hesitantly moved toward providing the jets, after previous concerns that arming Ukraine with advanced weaponry would further escalate the war with Russia.
The U.S. has also been training Ukrainian pilots on how to fly the jets and has already graduated the first group of pilots on its operation.
During his visit to Washington earlier this month for the NATO summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pressed NATO allies to remove all limitations on how Western-provided weapons are used, specifically allowing Ukraine to fire Western-provided weapons against an expanded set of Russian targets.
It’s not clear how many jets were provided in the first tranche or which nations provided them. The Ukrainian government has not confirmed receipt of the jets.
U.S. President Joe Biden authorized sending the U.S.-built warplanes to Ukraine in August 2023. That came after months of pressure from Kyiv and internal debate in the U.S. administration where officials feared the move could escalate tensions with the Kremlin.
Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway — all NATO members — have committed to providing Ukraine with more than 60 planes. That number is dwarfed by the Russian jet fighter fleet, which is estimated to be around 10 times larger.
Ukraine needs at least 130 F-16 fighter jets to neutralize Russian air power, Ukrainian officials say. F-16s can fly up to twice the speed of sound and have a maximum range of more than 2,000 miles (3,200 kilometers).
The arrival of the jets was first reported by Bloomberg.
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Andrew Meldrum in Kyiv, Ukraine, and Barry Hatton in Lisbon, Portugal, contributed to this story.
Ukraine has taken a significant step in bolstering its defense capabilities against Russian aggression with the recent delivery of its first batch of F-16 fighter jets from the United States. The arrival of these advanced aircraft marks a significant milestone in Ukraine’s efforts to modernize its military and enhance its ability to deter potential threats from its eastern neighbor.
The F-16 fighter jet is a versatile and highly capable aircraft that has been used by numerous countries around the world for decades. With its advanced avionics, weaponry, and maneuverability, the F-16 is well-suited for a wide range of missions, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, and reconnaissance.
The decision to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets comes at a time when tensions between Ukraine and Russia are at their highest levels since the annexation of Crimea in 2014. Russia’s continued support for separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine, as well as its aggressive actions in the Black Sea region, have raised concerns about the potential for further conflict in the region.
The delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine is part of a broader effort by the United States to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In addition to providing military aid, the US has also imposed sanctions on Russia and worked with European allies to provide economic and political support to Ukraine.
The arrival of the F-16 fighter jets is expected to significantly enhance Ukraine’s air defense capabilities and provide a deterrent against potential Russian aggression. The aircraft will be used to patrol Ukrainian airspace, conduct reconnaissance missions, and participate in joint training exercises with NATO allies.
In addition to the F-16 fighter jets, Ukraine has also received other forms of military assistance from the United States, including anti-tank missiles, armored vehicles, and training for Ukrainian troops. These efforts are aimed at helping Ukraine build a more capable and professional military force that can effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Overall, the delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine represents a significant step forward in strengthening Ukraine’s defenses against Russian aggression. By providing advanced military equipment and support, the United States is sending a clear message that it stands with Ukraine in its efforts to defend itself against external threats. As tensions continue to simmer in the region, the presence of these advanced aircraft will serve as a powerful deterrent against any potential acts of aggression by Russia.
