The first long-awaited F-16 jets have arrived in Ukraine, Lithuania’s foreign minister and a US official said on Wednesday. Kiev has said their deployment will help replenish its depleted air force.
The F-16 jets, manufactured by the US company Lockheed Martin, have been on Ukraine’s top demand list for a long time, due to their destructive power and versatility. This fighter jet can carry bombs and missiles.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis announced their arrival at platform X.
A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the planes had been surrendered.
The Air Force of Ukraine did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment.
Denmark has pledged to donate a total of 19 aircraft, while the Netherlands has promised to provide 24 of them. Both countries have been the driving forces behind an international coalition to supply Ukraine with F-16s.
Norway has also said it will donate six F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.
Pilots and personnel have been trained in their use by Ukraine’s western partners for months.
Ukraine’s military has relied on a relatively small fleet of Soviet-era aircraft as it struggles to contain Russia’s aggression.
Ukrainian officials see the F-16 jets as a vital upgrade for the Air Force. /VOA
