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Ukraine confirms arrival of F-16 jets

2024-08-04 17:22:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Ukraine confirms arrival of F-16 jets

Ukrainian pilots have begun using F-16 jets for operations inside the country, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Sunday, confirming the long-awaited arrival of the US-made fighter jets, more than 29 months after the Russian aggression began.

The Ukrainian leader announced the start of use of the F-16 jets, which Kiev has long requested, as he met with military pilots at an air base where there were two such planes, while two others were flying above them.

"The F-16s are in Ukraine. We did it. I'm proud of our guys who are starting to use them for our country," Mr Zelenskiy said at a location that authorities asked Reuters not to identify for security reasons.

The arrival of the jets is a milestone for Ukraine after months of waiting, although it remains unclear how many are available and how much impact they will have on improving air defenses and on the battlefield.

Russia has targeted bases that could house them and vowed to take them down.

Speaking to reporters on the tarmac of an airfield, Mr Zelenskiy said Ukraine still does not have enough pilots trained to operate the F-16, or even enough aircraft.

"The good news is that we are expecting additional F-16s ... many of our soldiers are training," he said.

Ukraine's president called on Kiev's allies to find ways to expand training programs and opportunities for both Ukrainian pilots and engineering teams./ VOA





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