President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the deployment of the first US-made F-16 fighter jets.
Speaking in a public address on August 4, 2024, Zelenskyy said that these advanced fighter jets will be integrated with the country’s existing Western-supplied surface-to-air missile systems, including Patriot and NASAMS.
“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,” Zelenskyy confirmed.
However, Zelenskyy acknowledged that Ukraine still faces challenges, including a shortage of trained pilots and a limited number of F-16s.
“The positive news is that we are expecting additional F-16s and many pilots are currently undergoing training,” Zelenskyy added.
The President emphasized the importance of expanding training programs for both pilots and engineering teams to maximize the effectiveness of the new aircraft.
On social media, Zelenskyy elaborated on the significance of this latest development: “We are entering a new phase for the Ukrainian Air Force with Western combat aviation. From the outset of this war, we have sought to protect our skies from Russian missiles and aircraft. Through countless negotiations, we turned what seemed impossible into reality. F-16s are now a part of our defense strategy. I am grateful to our team and our international partners—Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United States—for their crucial support,” was written in the post.
The deployment of the F-16s marks a significant achievement for Ukraine, but their exact number and the full impact on Ukraine’s air defense capabilities remain uncertain. The Russian military has already targeted potential bases housing these new jets aiming to prevent any strategic Ukraine’s advantage.
Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the F-16 fighter jets are a major upgrade from Ukraine’s outdated Soviet-era aircraft, which have struggled against Russia’s advanced and numerous fleet. The introduction of the F-16s is expected to significantly boost Ukraine’s combat capabilities and air defense.
Approximately 80 F-16s from European countries—including the Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium, and Norway—are scheduled to be delivered to Ukraine. About 20 of these jets are expected to arrive by the end of 2024. Additionally, the US is exploring options to further support Ukrainian pilots by either expanding training programs at an Arizona base or allowing them to train at other U.S. Air Force facilities.