FIRST BATCH OF F-16 JETS ARRIVES IN UKRAINE

Thu 01 August 2024:

The first delivery of highly anticipated F-16 fighter jets has reached Ukraine, according to Lithuania’s foreign minister and a U.S. official. This arrival marks a significant step for Kyiv in strengthening its depleted air force.

The F-16s, capable of flying at twice the speed of sound with a range exceeding 2,000 miles (3,200 kilometers), are expected to significantly enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities.

Ukraine has been keen to acquire the F-16s, built by Lockheed Martin, due to their formidable destructive capabilities and wide availability. The fighter jets are equipped with a 20mm cannon and can carry a variety of bombs, rockets, and missiles.

“F-16s in Ukraine. Another impossible thing turned out to be totally possible,” Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis announced on X on Wednesday.

A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the completion of the delivery. However, the Ukrainian government has not yet confirmed the receipt of the jets.

The U.S. has been training Ukrainian pilots on the operation of F-16s and has already seen the first group of pilots complete their training.

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NATO Allies to Supply 60 Warplanes

In August 2023, U.S. President Joe Biden authorized the shipment of U.S.-built warplanes to Ukraine, following persistent pressure from Kyiv and extensive internal discussions within the U.S. administration.

NATO members Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway have pledged to provide Ukraine with over 60 F-16 planes. Despite this, the Ukrainian officials estimate they need at least 130 F-16s to effectively counter Russian air power, which boasts a fleet approximately ten times larger.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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