Mon. Dec 9th, 2024

Ukraine Obtains First F-16 Fighter Planes – Zelensky

Ukraine

Ukraine has acquired its first American-made F-16 fighter planes, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
“F-16 in Ukraine.” “‘We did it,’ President Zelensky said, adding that we need mor

Ukraine’s president praised partners for something they were previously unwilling to offer. The plane delivery boosts Ukraine’s air force, which relies on outdated Soviet-era jets.

More F-16s are expected in the coming months. However, Mr Zelensky conceded that Ukraine currently does not have enough skilled pilots to fly them all.

He did not say how many planes had landed in Ukraine or whether they were all dispatched by Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United States, which he explicitly praised.

NATO nations have offered around 65 F-16s since US President Joe Biden officially authorized willing European partners to deliver them to Ukraine in August 2023.

The F-16 debuted in 1978, while many Western militaries are retiring older jets and replacing them with the US-made F-35, which launched in 2015.

Britain lacks F-16s but has long-range Storm Shadow missiles for its fighters.

Ukraine’s F-16s will work with Western-supplied Patriot and Nasams missile systems.

F-16s could enable deeper strikes into seized territory and near Russia’s border. They may also help defend against Russian glide bombs with pop-out wings and guidance modules. Approximately 3,000 dropped in March alone, primarily from Su-34 fighter-bombers.

If Ukraine preserves its F-16s, they aim to push Russian aircraft back, preventing strikes on Ukrainian ground forces.

Kyiv has recommended that it maintain some F-16s at foreign military stations.

Putin warned that Western sites with Ukrainian planes could be targeted. Experts believe the F-16s could provide crucial support to Ukrainian ground forces in Donbas.
Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin’s press secretary, warned that they would “shoot down” any Western-made F-16s flying for Ukraine.

“But of obviously, these supplies will not have a major influence on the course of events on the front lines,” a spokesperson said.   supernews

By Maria Ghanchi

A versatile author specializing in entertainment, news, and geo-politics Maria is known for her dynamic storytelling and insightful pop culture commentary.

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