Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says US-made F-16 fighter jets have arrived in his country, expressing hope that the aircraft will boost Ukraine’s combat effort against Russia.
Zelenskyy announced the jets’ arrival on social media on Sunday.
He said, “I am proud of all our guys who have mastered these aircraft and have already started using them for our country.” He expressed hope that combat aviation will bring them a victory.
It has been reported that Ukraine is lagging behind Russia in its air defense capabilities.
UK business magazine The Economist reported on Sunday that the first ten F-16 jets arrived in Ukraine on the last day of July.
It said the jets came equipped with Link-16, a NATO tactical data-link which will lead to the improvement of situational awareness.
The paper quoted an expert on air power as saying that the F-16s will immediately help boost the morale of Ukrainian soldiers although the initial numbers are small.
Another expert said it will take time for Ukraine to integrate the aircraft with its air defense system, as well as to gain operating experience.