In a significant development for Ukraine’s defense efforts, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Sunday that Ukrainian pilots have officially begun flying US-made F-16 fighter jets.
This milestone marks the culmination of more than 29 months of advocacy and negotiations since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Addressing the media at an undisclosed air base, Zelenskyy proudly confirmed the deployment of the F-16s, a highly anticipated addition to Ukraine’s military arsenal.
“F-16s are in Ukraine. We did it. I am proud of our guys who are mastering these jets and have already started using them for our country,” he said, flanked by two of the new jets with two more soaring above.
Why are the fighter jets significant?
The arrival of these advanced fighter jets represents a crucial enhancement to Ukraine’s air defense capabilities. Built by Lockheed Martin, the F-16s are equipped with a 20mm cannon and can carry an array of bombs, rockets, and missiles.
Their integration into Ukraine’s fleet comes as a response to Russia’s ongoing aggression and superior air power, which has been used to launch long-range missile strikes and bombard frontline positions across Ukraine.
General Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraine’s top military commander, welcomed the F-16s, emphasizing their potential impact on the battlefield.
In a Facebook post, Syrskyi expressed gratitude to President Zelenskyy and other officials for their tireless efforts to secure the jets.
“This means that more of the occupiers will be destroyed,” he stated. “It means a greater number of downed missiles and aircraft used by the Russian criminals to attack Ukrainian cities.”
Limitations
Despite the arrival of the F-16s, Zelenskyy acknowledged that Ukraine still faces challenges in fully utilizing the new technology. “We still do not have enough pilots trained to use the F-16s or enough of the jets themselves,” he admitted.
He highlighted the ongoing need for expanded training programs for Ukrainian pilots and engineers, as well as additional F-16s to enhance their operational capabilities.
The Ukrainian leader also pointed out that Russia has been targeting air bases suspected of housing the new jets and has vowed to shoot them down.
The F-16s’ deployment signifies a “new stage” in the evolution of Ukraine’s air force, Zelenskyy said, reflecting on the extensive diplomacy and negotiations that led to this point.
“We did a lot for Ukrainian forces to transition to a new aviation standard, the Western combat aviation,” he added.
Military analysts note that the impact of the F-16s on the battlefield will also depend on the type of missiles they are equipped with. A longer-range missile could significantly enhance their effectiveness.
In addition to the immediate operational use of the F-16s, Zelenskyy expressed hopes of further international support.
He plans to discuss with NATO countries the possibility of creating a coalition to intercept Russian missiles targeting Ukraine, aiming to bolster the country’s defense against aerial threats.
“This is another tool, and I want to try it, so that NATO countries can talk to Ukraine about the possibility of a small coalition of neighboring countries shooting down enemy missiles,” Zelenskyy said.
“I think this decision is probably difficult for our partners. They are always afraid of excessive escalation, but we are fighting that.”
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