The first batch of long-awaited F-16 jets has arrived in Ukraine, Lithuania's foreign minister and a U.S. official said Wednesday, in a move Kyiv says will help rebuild its depleted air force.
The F-16, made by Lockheed Martin, has long been on Ukraine’s wish list, due to its destructive power and global availability. The fighter jet is equipped with a 20mm gun system and can carry bombs, rockets and missiles.
“F-16s in Ukraine. Another impossible thing that turned out to be possible,” Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said on the X platform.
A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the delivery of the jets had been completed.
The Ukrainian Air Force did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters related to this matter.
Denmark has committed to donating a total of 19 fighter jets, while the Netherlands has pledged 24. The two countries have been driving forces behind the international coalition to supply Ukraine with F-16s.
Norway also said it would donate six F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.
Ukrainian pilots and ground staff have been trained by their Western partners for months.
Ukraine's military has had to rely on a relatively small fleet of Soviet-era jets as it struggles to fend off a full-scale Russian invasion since February 2022. Ukrainian officials see the addition of the F-16s as a vital upgrade for its Air Force.
While analysts and officials say the F-16 will not be the single factor that can turn the tide of the war. (ns/ab)
