Ukraine has received its first batch of F-16 fighter jets as part of international support to bolster its defense capabilities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the arrival and expressed gratitude to the partner nations involved.
“I am proud of our personnel who have mastered these aircraft and begun using them for our state. I thank our team for this achievement and our partners—Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United States—for their support. Your assistance is invaluable,” said President Zelenskyy.
The newly arrived F-16s performed demonstration flights over major Ukrainian cities including Kyiv, Odesa, Vinnytsia, Dnipro, and Lviv, showcasing their capabilities to the public and military alike.
On July 31, Bloomberg reported that Ukraine had received its first F-16 fighter jets. This information was later confirmed by Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis. According to The Times, the initial delivery includes six aircraft from the Netherlands, with additional jets expected soon from Denmark.
Ukraine is set to receive a total of 79 F-16s from its allies. Of these, 20 are scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2024, with the remaining aircraft arriving in batches throughout 2025, enhancing Ukraine’s defensive and offensive aerial capabilities.
The arrival of these jets marks a significant milestone in Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its military infrastructure amid ongoing conflicts, demonstrating international solidarity and support for its sovereignty.