The long-awaited F-16 planes have finally arrived in Ukraine, according to reports from the US diplomat and Lithuania's foreign minister on Wednesday. Kyiv claims this would aid in reconstructing its severely damaged air force.
Lockheed Martin F-16s have long been desired by Ukraine due to their devastating capability and widespread availability. The fighter jet can carry missiles, rockets, and bombs. It also has a 20mm gun.
"F-16s in Ukraine. Another impossible thing turned out to be possible," Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Speaking under anonymity, a US official stated that the delivery was finished.
A request for comment from Reuters was not immediately answered by the Ukrainian Air Force.
The Netherlands has pledged to supply 24 aircraft, while Denmark has agreed to donate a total of 19 jets. Both nations have been the primary supporters of an international alliance to provide Ukraine with F-16 aircraft. Additionally, Norway declared that it would give Ukraine six F-16 fighter jets.
The Western allies of Ukraine have been training the pilots and ground crew for months.
The Ukrainian military's battle against Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022 has forced it to rely on a comparatively limited fleet of Soviet-era jets. According to Ukrainian officials, the F-16 is a crucial acquisition that will improve the Air Force.
According to officials and analysts, the war, which started with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, will not only pivot due to the F-16s.
