First US-Made F-16s Arrive in Ukraine
The first US-made F-16 fighter jets have arrived in Ukraine, according to Bloomberg, with sources indicating that the number is small. The specific origin of the jets is not yet clear, though various NATO countries have pledged contributions. Russia has warned that these aircraft will not impact the conflict's outcome and will likely be destroyed.
The first batch of US-made F-16 fighter jets has arrived in Ukraine, according to Bloomberg.
Sources, speaking anonymously, revealed that the number of jets is small.
The origin of these aircraft remains unclear.
NATO countries, including Denmark and the Netherlands, pledged to send 24 and 19 aircraft respectively, while Norway recently confirmed the donation of six jets.
The delivery deadline set for the end of this month was met.
However, it remains uncertain if Ukrainian pilots, trained by Western allies, can immediately operate the jets.
Russia has warned that these F-16s will not change the conflict's outcome, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating they will be destroyed.
Colonel General Aleksandr Syrsky, Ukraine's top military commander, confirmed that the F-16s must stay away from front lines due to Russia's superior aviation and strong air defenses.
A Russian private firm has offered a bounty of 15 million rubles (one hundred seventy thousand dollars) for destroying the first F-16.
Moscow claims that Western support to Kiev prolongs the conflict and turns Western nations into de facto participants.
Sources, speaking anonymously, revealed that the number of jets is small.
The origin of these aircraft remains unclear.
NATO countries, including Denmark and the Netherlands, pledged to send 24 and 19 aircraft respectively, while Norway recently confirmed the donation of six jets.
The delivery deadline set for the end of this month was met.
However, it remains uncertain if Ukrainian pilots, trained by Western allies, can immediately operate the jets.
Russia has warned that these F-16s will not change the conflict's outcome, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating they will be destroyed.
Colonel General Aleksandr Syrsky, Ukraine's top military commander, confirmed that the F-16s must stay away from front lines due to Russia's superior aviation and strong air defenses.
A Russian private firm has offered a bounty of 15 million rubles (one hundred seventy thousand dollars) for destroying the first F-16.
Moscow claims that Western support to Kiev prolongs the conflict and turns Western nations into de facto participants.
