Ukraine receives first batch of F-16 fighter jets

18:57, 31.07.2024 1 min read

The first batch of F-16 fighter jets from NATO allies has arrived in Ukraine, Bloomberg said.

According to a statement published on Bloomberg's website on Wednesday, the first batch of F-16 fighter jets from NATO allies has arrived in Ukraine, a long-awaited move that could bolster the war-torn country's ability to repel Russian attacks.

A deadline for the delivery of the U.S.-made warplanes was set for late July, and it has been met, according to people familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity. The number of planes is small, they said.

It is also unclear whether Ukrainian pilots, who have been training with Western allies in recent months, will be able to use the planes immediately, or whether the process will take longer.

At the same time, the press secretary of Ukrainian Ministry of Defense Diana Davitian declined to comment to Bloomberg.