For the first time, Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets have been spotted over the Russian-occupied Kakhovka district in the Kherson region, according to Russian media reports. Pavel Filipchuk, the Russia-installed head of the Kakhovka municipal district, confirmed the presence of the advanced fighter jets in a video message posted on his Telegram channel.
Last Sunday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy celebrated the arrival of the F-16s, stating, “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.” This announcement was made during Ukraine’s Air Forces Day, with Zelenskyy expressing gratitude to Ukraine’s allies for the delivery of the jets.
The introduction of the Lockheed Martin-made F-16s follows a long wait for approval and training. Ukraine’s European allies, including Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Norway, have pledged around 80 F-16s to Kyiv, although most are not expected to be operational until 2025. The first batch of six jets from the Netherlands reportedly arrived in late July, with more expected to follow soon.
Russian reactions to the F-16s have been dismissive, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating, “There is no ‘magic pill’ here. There is no panacea. Should these airplanes appear, their number will gradually decrease. They will be shot down and destroyed.” Meanwhile, Filipchuk characterized the deployment of F-16s as an attempt to “sow panic” among the local population and asserted that the jets would soon be destroyed.
The arrival of F-16s marks a notable achievement for Ukraine, which has long lobbied its NATO allies for advanced fighter jets. These aircraft are expected to enhance Ukraine’s ability to defend its airspace, support ground operations, and conduct more effective strikes against enemy targets.
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