DefenseThe Ukrainian Air Force has received another batch of Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets, the country’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, revealed in a press briefing on Wednesday.
As usual, the number of aircraft and their origin were not disclosed. European countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway and Denmark have confirmed plans to transfer their F-16s to Ukraine.
It is believed that around 80 fighter jets could be delivered to Ukraine over the next few months. The first F-16s were received in August 2024 and made their combat debut shortly thereafter.
One fighter, however, was lost under unclear circumstances.
During the press conference, Zelensky hit back at Russian media, which claimed that an F-16 had been shot down in Sumy Oblast.
“Additional F-16s have arrived in Ukraine. The Russians lied that they shot down something there, they didn’t shoot anything down. And the good news is that several F-16 aircraft have arrived in Ukraine,” he said.
In addition to the F-16s, France is also sending Dassault Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets, which have been adapted to carry out ground attacks and have received new electronic countermeasures systems.
The arrival of the new fighters comes amid talks mediated by the United States and Europe to try to end the three-year conflict.
