The first batch of Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters have arrived in Ukraine, a key milestone in the West’s military support for the beleaguered nation amid Russia’s invasion.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky showed off the fighters, donated from western allies, during an air force ceremony at an undisclosed location.
“I’m proud of all our guys who are mastering these planes and have already begun to use them for our country,” says Zelensky.
“I thank our team for this result. I thank all the partners who are really actively helping with the F-16 and to the first countries who accepted our request to supply the aircraft - Denmark, Netherlands, United States - and all our partners - we appreciate your support!”
Ukraine’s receipt of the donated fighters has been the source of speculation for some months, with operational security driving secrecy. In a video of the ceremony, two fighters – Zelensky does not detail the number of aircraft delivered so far – are covered with camouflage nets. Several military personnel in the video wear masks to conceal their identities.
A fighter in the video is show equipped for the air-to-air mission, with Raytheon AIM-9 Sidewinder infrared homing missiles and AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-To-Air Missiles.
The aircraft also appear to be carrying Terma’s pylon-based self-protection system, as well as wing-mounted fuel tanks.
Various NATO members have pledged nearly 100 F-16s to Kyiv, including 42 jets from the Netherlands, 19 from Denmark and 30 from Belgium. Norway initially committed two F-16s from its fleet but later upped the number to six.
