F-16 fighter jets arrive in Ukraine, Zelensky: Deployment begins.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Sunday (August 4) that Ukrainian pilots have started flying American-made F-16 fighter jets to carry out missions within the country.

After 29 months since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the long-awaited American-manufactured fighter jets have finally arrived, as confirmed by Zelensky on Sunday.

Zelensky met with military pilots at a Ukrainian military base that day and told reporters on the tarmac that Ukraine has begun using F-16 fighter jets. As he made the announcement, two F-16 fighter jets were parked beside him, with two more flying in the sky.

“F-16 fighter jets are in Ukraine. We did it. I am proud of our people who are mastering the skills to fly these planes and starting to serve our country,” Zelensky said.

The arrival of these aircraft was welcomed by Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, who thanked the President and other officials for working “round the clock” to ensure the safety of the planes. He stated that the arrival of these fighter jets will save the lives of Ukrainian soldiers.

“This means more occupying troops will be eradicated,” Syrskyi wrote on Facebook, “This means more Russian criminals attacking Ukrainian cities with missiles and aircraft will be shot down.”

The arrival of these fighter jets marks a milestone for Ukraine, although it is currently unclear how many aircraft are available or the extent of their impact on strengthening air defense and their role on the battlefield.

Russia has been targeting potential bases where these fighter jets could be stored and has vowed to shoot down these aircraft.

Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the F-16 fighter jets are equipped with a 20mm cannon and can carry bombs, rockets, and missiles. Ukraine has long placed it on their wish list and lobbied for support from the United States and Europe.

Zelensky told reporters on Sunday that Ukraine still doesn’t have enough trained pilots to fly the F-16 fighter jets.

“On the positive side, we are looking forward to more F-16 fighter jets arriving…many are undergoing training,” he said.

He also emphasized the need for allies to expand plans and opportunities to provide training for Ukrainian pilots and engineering teams.

“This is a new stage in the development of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Air Force,” Zelensky said.

It is currently unclear what missiles these aircraft are equipped with. Military analysts say that missiles with longer ranges will allow these fighter jets to have a greater impact on the battlefield.