Ukrainian pilots have commenced operations with F-16s within the country, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Sunday, marking the much-anticipated deployment of the US-made fighter jets more than 29 months after Russia's invasion. Zelensky confirmed the use of F-16s, which Kyiv had vigorously advocated for, during a visit to an air base where he was accompanied by two of the jets with two others flying above. "F-16s are now in Ukraine. We achieved this. I am proud of our pilots who are mastering these aircraft and have already begun to use them for our nation," Zelensky stated at a location that authorities requested Reuters not to disclose for security reasons.
The introduction of these jets represents a significant milestone for Ukraine, although it is still uncertain how many are operational and what impact they will have on enhancing air defenses and the battlefield. Russia has threatened to target and shoot down these jets, vowing to prevent them from influencing the war. Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the F-16s have been on Ukraine's wish list due to their destructive capabilities and widespread availability. Equipped with a 20mm cannon and capable of carrying bombs, rockets, and missiles, the jets are a critical addition to Ukraine's arsenal.
Speaking to reporters on the tarmac of an airfield, Zelensky acknowledged that Ukraine still lacks sufficient trained pilots and F-16s. "The good news is that we are expecting more F-16s... many pilots are currently undergoing training," he noted. It is crucial, he emphasized, for Kyiv's allies to expand training programs and opportunities for both Ukrainian pilots and engineering teams. Ukraine has traditionally relied on a dated fleet of Soviet-era warplanes, which are outmatched by Russia's more advanced and larger fleet.
Russia has leveraged this advantage to conduct frequent long-range missile strikes across Ukraine and to bombard frontline positions with thousands of guided bombs, supporting its slow advance in the east. "This marks a new phase in the development of Ukraine's air force," Zelensky declared. "We have done much to transition Ukrainian forces to a new aviation standard, Western combat aviation," he added, highlighting the extensive diplomacy and hundreds of meetings to secure the F-16s.
It is unclear which missiles the jets are equipped with, but a longer-range missile could significantly enhance their battlefield impact, according to military analysts. Zelensky also expressed hope to persuade neighboring allied countries to help intercept Russian missiles launched at Ukraine through discussions at the Ukraine-NATO Council platform. "This is another tool, and I aim to explore it, so that NATO countries can discuss with Ukraine the possibility of a small coalition of neighboring countries shooting down enemy missiles," he said. "I believe this decision is challenging for our partners, who are always wary of excessive escalation, but we are fighting for this."
