- First F-16 jets arrive in Ukraine
- Ukraine aims to rebuild decimated air force
- NATO allies to supply 60 airplanes
According to Lithuania’s foreign minister and a US official, the first batch of long-awaited F-16 planes has arrived in Ukraine as part of an effort to rebuild the country’s decimated air force.
Due to their devastating capacity and global availability, Ukraine is eager to buy Lockheed Martin F-16s. These fighter jets are armed with a 20mm gun and can transport bombs, rockets, and missiles.
“F-16s are in Ukraine.” “Another impossible thing turned out to be completely possible,” Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis posted on X on Wednesday.
A US official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that the delivery had been completed. The Ukrainian government still needs to verify receipt of the jets.
“Start your investing journey with a gift! Claim your free Webull shares.”
Ukraine has been lobbying Western partners for F-16s for months, claiming they are crucial in combating Russia’s missile barrage. The West has proceeded slowly in providing the jets, citing earlier fears that arming Ukraine with modern weaponry might escalate the conflict with Russia.
The United States has also been training Ukrainian pilots to fly the jets; the first group of pilots has graduated.
NATO allies will supply Ukraine with 60 airplanes
US President Joe Biden authorized the deployment of US-built airplanes to Ukraine in August 2023. This followed months of pressure from Kyiv and internal discussions within the United States government.
Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway, all NATO members, have agreed to provide Ukraine with more than 60 planes. That figure is dwarfed by the Russian jet fleet, which is thought to be roughly ten times larger.
According to Ukrainian officials, Ukraine requires at least 130 F-16 fighter jets to counter the Russian air force. F-16s can fly at up to twice the speed of sound and have a maximum range of almost 2,000 miles (3,200 kilometers).
