Syrskyi: Recent arrival of F-16s will mean 'more downed missiles and planes'.
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Become a member Support us just onceThe recent delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine means there will be "more downed missiles and planes used by Russian criminals to attack Ukrainian cities," Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on Aug.
4. Syrskyi made the comments in a Facebook post, following confirmation earlier in the day by President Volodymyr Zelensky that Ukrainian pilots are already using the first batch of recently delivered F-16s. In his post, Syrskyi thanked allies for their decision.
The Times reported on Aug.
1 that the first batch of planes included six jets provided by the Netherlands, while the Economist reported on Aug.
4 that Ukraine received 10 F-17 jets at the end of July. Although some defense experts do not expect F-16s to become game-changers in the war, the jets may strengthen Ukraine's air defense capabilities and shield the country's population centers from Russia's daily bombardments. Kyiv has been calling for these U.S.-made fourth-generation jets since the very first year of the full-scale war in order to bolster its air force, which made up of Soviet-made aircraft and has been significantly depleted over the past years of war.
How F-16s in Ukraine can help fight Russia
Editor's Note: This story has been updated with the latest news that F-16s have reportedly arrived in Ukraine After a long wait, F-16 fighter jets have finally arrived in Ukraine, according to reports.
Citing people familiar with the matter, Bloomberg said the deadline for the delivery of the firs...
The Kyiv IndependentChris York