Ukraine takes to skies, F-16 fighter jets now operational

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on Sunday that Ukrainian pilots have commenced operations with F-16 fighter jets, marking the much-anticipated arrival of the U.S.-made aircraft over 29 months since Russia’s invasion.

The declaration came as Zelenskiy visited an undisclosed air base, where he met with military pilots and witnessed two F-16s on the ground and two more soaring above.

“F-16s are in Ukraine. We did it. I am proud of our guys who are mastering these jets and have already started using them for our country,” he stated, emphasizing the strategic significance of this milestone for Ukraine.

The incorporation of F-16s into Ukraine’s arsenal follows a prolonged campaign by Kyiv to secure these advanced jets, renowned for their destructive power and widespread availability. Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the F-16s are equipped with a 20mm cannon and are capable of carrying an array of bombs, rockets, and missiles.

Despite the triumph of acquiring the jets, Zelenskiy acknowledged ongoing challenges. “The positive thing is that we are expecting additional F-16s … many guys are now training,” he noted, highlighting the need for more trained pilots and additional aircraft to fully leverage the new capabilities.

The arrival of the F-16s is seen as a pivotal moment for Ukraine, which has until now relied on an ageing fleet of Soviet-era warplanes. These older aircraft have been consistently outmatched by Russia’s more advanced and numerous fleet, which has enabled Moscow to conduct long-range missile strikes and support its ground forces with guided bombs.

“This is the new stage of development of the air force of Ukraine’s armed forces,” Zelenskiy proclaimed. “We did a lot for Ukrainian forces to transition to a new aviation standard, the Western combat aviation,” he added, pointing to the extensive diplomatic efforts and numerous meetings that culminated in securing the jets.

While the exact number of operational F-16s and their immediate impact remain uncertain, the introduction of these aircraft is expected to bolster Ukraine’s air defenses significantly. However, Russia has already targeted bases that may house the jets and has vowed to shoot them down, underscoring the ongoing threats Ukraine faces.

Military analysts suggest that the jets’ battlefield impact will largely depend on the types of missiles they are equipped with. Longer-range missiles could enhance their strategic value significantly.

Zelenskiy also expressed hopes of fostering greater cooperation with neighboring NATO countries through the Ukraine-NATO Council platform, aiming to create a coalition capable of intercepting Russian missiles.

“This is another tool, and I want to try it, so that NATO countries can talk to Ukraine about the possibility of a small coalition of neighbouring countries shooting down enemy missiles,” he said, acknowledging the complexities and potential risks of such an initiative.