New batch of F-16 fighter jets arrives in Ukraine

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) – Ukraine’s Air Force has received a new batch of F-16 fighter jets, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Wednesday during a Zoom briefing for journalists.

“Additional F-16s have arrived in Ukraine. The Russians are lying that they shot something down—they didn’t shoot down anything. And the good news is that several F-16 jets have arrived in Ukraine,” he said, according to RBC-Ukraine.

Russian media reports said earlier that Russian air defenses shot down a Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet in the Sumy region.

Last year, Zelenskyy underscored the challenge of F-16 availability, stressing that the number and timing of deliveries remain critical.

“The problem with F-16s is the quantity and the dates. But let’s be honest. Russia uses 300 aircraft against Ukraine every day. We had a decision for 10-20. Even if we get 50, it is nothing. We are defending ourselves, and we need 128. That is a fleet,” he said.

The delivery comes amid intensified efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s aerial capabilities.