SUMMARY
Ukraine has received its first American-made F-16 fighter jets, as confirmed by President Volodymyr Zelensky during a ceremony at an undisclosed location. The jets were supplied by NATO allies Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United States after an 18-month wait. This delivery is part of a broader effort to bolster Ukraine's air force, which has been using older Soviet-era aircraft. NATO countries have pledged around 65 F-16s since U.S. President Joe Biden authorized the transfer in August 2023. These jets are expected to work alongside existing Western-supplied surface-to-air missile systems. The F-16s aim to counter Russian air attacks, including the use of glide bombs from Su-34 fighter-bombers. However, Russian officials, including Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, have stated that Western-supplied F-16s would be targeted and have downplayed their potential impact on the conflict.
