Ukrainian pilots have begun using F-16 jets for domestic operations, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Sunday, confirming the long-awaited arrival of U.S.-made fighter aircraft more than 29 months after the Russian aggression began.
The Ukrainian leader revealed the start of F-16 usage, which Kyiv had long requested, while meeting with military pilots at an airbase where two such aircraft were present, and two others were flying overhead.
“F-16s are in Ukraine. We made it. I am proud of our guys who have started using them for our country,” Zelensky said at a location that authorities asked Reuters not to identify for security reasons.
The arrival of the jets is a historic moment for Ukraine after many months of waiting, although it remains unclear how many such jets are available and what impact they will have on improving air defense and the battlefield.
Russia has targeted bases that could house them and has vowed to shoot them down.
Speaking to reporters on the runway of an airfield, Zelensky said that Ukraine still does not have enough trained pilots to operate the F-16s, nor the sufficient number of aircraft.
“The good news is that we expect additional F-16s… many of our soldiers are being trained,” he said.
The Ukrainian President urged Kyiv’s allies to find ways to expand training programs and opportunities for both Ukrainian pilots and engineering teams.
