F-16 in Ukraine. In-country operations have begun

Ukrainian pilots began utilizing F-16 aircraft for operations inside the country. president Volodymyr Zelenski confirmed this on Sunday, announcing the arrival of American fighters more than 29 months after Russia's invasion. This is an crucial step for Ukraine, which has long sought these modern machines.

During a gathering with military pilots on 1 of the air bases, Zelenski was surrounded by 2 F-16 fighters, and 2 more flew over his head.

F-16 in Ukraine. We did it. I am arrogant of our boys who have mastered these machines and have already begun to usage them for our country, said Zelenski.

For safety reasons, the location of the gathering was not disclosed.

New chapter of Ukrainian defence

The arrival of F-16 is simply a milestone for Ukraine, although it is not yet known how many of these aircraft are available and how much they will increase air defence and effectiveness in the field of combat. Russia is already attacking bases where these planes can be stored, and promises to shoot them down to minimize their impact on the war.

F-16, built by Lockheed Martin, has long been on the want list Ukraine due to their firepower and global availability. These planes are equipped with a 20-millimeter cannon and can carry bombs, missiles and missiles.

F-16 in Ukraine. Training and logistics challenges

Zelenski admitted that Ukraine does not yet have adequate trained pilots to operate F-16 or adequate aircraft. “The affirmative aspect is that we anticipate an additional F-16... quite a few guys are training now,” he said. He added that it is crucial that Kiev allies find ways to grow training programs and opportunities for Ukrainian pilots and engineering teams.

So far Ukraine has relied on an outdated fleet of russian aircraft, which were much worse than Russia's modern and more many machines. Russia utilized this advantage for regular rocket attacks to mark across Ukraine and to bomb the front positions.

Diplomacy and tenacity

Zelenski stressed that the arrival of F-16 in Ukraine was the transition of Ukrainian armed forces to a fresh standard of combat aviation. This required many meetings and constant diplomacy.

“We have frequently heard 'it is impossible' as an answer, but yet we have achieved our defensive goal,” he said.

We inactive don't know what missiles are mounted on these fighters. Military analysts propose that a longer scope of missiles would let a greater impact on the battlefield. Zelenski besides expressed his hope of supporting neighbouring Allied countries in capturing Russian missiles fired on Ukraine through talks on the NATO-Ukraine Council platform.

"This is another tool I want to effort so that NATO countries can talk to Ukraine about the anticipation of a tiny coalition of neighbouring countries shooting down enemy missiles," he said.

Reuters/mn

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