Ukrainian personnel have “already started” using Western-donated F-16s over Ukraine, the country’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyconfirmed on Sunday.
“I am proud of all our guys who have mastered these aircraft and have already started using them for our country,” the Ukrainian leader said in a video posted on social media.
Widespread reports in late July suggested that Lockheed Martin-made jets, long requested by Kiev, had finally arrived in the country.
While not a game-changer in themselves, the promised jets will be a significant upgrade to Ukraine’s Soviet-backed air force, battered by nearly two and a half years of full-scale war with Russia’s superior and more numerous navy.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis appeared to confirm the delivery of the first batch of F-16s on Wednesday, although there had been no official comment from Ukraine’s air force.
This is news and will be updated.
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