The first F-16 fighter jets have already arrived in Ukraine: what is known about their number
The Ukrainian army has been waiting for a long time for the transfer of US fighter jets. And now, according to the US media, the first batch of F-16s has already arrived in Ukraine. Find out how Kiev plans to use these aircraft in the near future
More than a year after the United States gave the green light to supply Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets, Kyiv has received the first batch of aircraft. This was reported by Bloomberg on 31 July.
F-16s are already in Ukraine: deliveries are going according to plan
According to the publication, according to sources, the allies initially planned to deliver the first batch of F-16s to Ukraine at the end of July, and the deadline was met.
At the same time, the number of F-16s delivered is "small". And it is unclear whether Ukrainian pilots who have been training on F-16s in recent months will be able to use the transferred fighters immediately or whether this process will take longer.
Bloomberg writes that Ukrainian Defence Ministry spokeswoman Diana Davityan declined to comment on this information.
Ukraine has been waiting for F-16s for a long time
Almost a year ago, Denmark and the Netherlands promised to provide Ukraine with about 60 F-16 fighter jets. This was in response to numerous requests from Ukrainian officials for such aircraft.
The F-16s will help to reduce russia's air superiority, as russian aviation is far superior to Ukraine's in terms of modernity.
Immediately after the announcement of the delivery, Ukrainian pilots began training to fly the F-16s. The training takes place in the US and Denmark and continues to this day.
Visit Ukraine on social media: Telegram | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok
How does Ukraine plan to use the US fighter jets?
In the first time after the delivery of the F-16s, as the Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly stated, the fighters will be used to protect Ukrainian skies in tandem with ground-based air defence systems.
However, the Ukrainian army will almost certainly test the fighters on the battlefield soon. At least this conclusion can be drawn from a recent statement by US officials that the US is ready to equip the fighters with US-made missiles and other modern weapons.
The United States noted that, despite the Pentagon's limited stockpiles and production capabilities, it will provide F-16s with air-to-ground munitions, precision-guided bombs and modern air-to-air missiles in sufficient quantities to meet Ukraine's most urgent needs.
What weapons will Ukrainian F-16s be equipped with
- AGM-88 HARM air-to-ground missiles;
- versions of the Joint Direct Attack Munition long-range munitions, which turn unguided bombs into smart weapons;
- short-range bombs that explode in a narrow radius of destruction;
- modern medium-range air-to-air missiles AMRAAM;
- AIM-9X short-range air-to-air missiles for aircraft.
It is also worth recalling that Ukraine will receive reconnaissance aircraft equipped with ASC-890 early warning radars. They will be provided by Sweden as part of a record military aid package.
These "birds" should complement and enhance the work of F-16 fighters. Simply put, the ASC-890s are to become the eyes of American fighters.
Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.
We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine:
Visit Ukraine Insurance – safe travel in Ukraine (insurance covering military risks);
Visit Ukraine Legal advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;
Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;
Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;
Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;
Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.
© 2018-2024, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.
All rights reserved.
Recommended articles
2 min
FinanceAs part of the new draft law on mobilization, persons liable for military service had to update their data within a certain period of time. Failure to do so will result in a fine. Find out how to check for fines from the TCS and what consequences await citizens for refusing to pay them
27 Jul. 2024
More details1 min
KriegRussia may switch to defence as early as 2025: all because of heavy losses in equipment
After years of war, the russian army may face a real disaster in providing its military with armoured vehicles. Find out what this is related to and what it could lead to
17 Jul. 2024
More details1 min
KriegThe AFU withdrew from Krynok in the Kherson region, where 788 Ukrainian servicemen went missing
Ukrainian troops have been conducting an operation in Krynki on the left bank of the Kherson Region for about nine months. However, as it became known, the Ukrainian armed forces withdrew from the settlement relatively recently. Find out what caused this decision and how difficult the operation was for the Ukrainian fighters
18 Jul. 2024
More details3 min
PopularKamala Harris has become the new hope of the Democrats in the US presidential race. Can she win and what are her chances? Find out more about how Harris views Ukraine and what it could mean for her campaign
24 Jul. 2024
More details