Ukraine has received its first batch the F-16 fighter jets it has sought for months to counter Russian missile attacks, confirmed a US official. This marks a significant development in Ukraine's ongoing conflict with Russia, as the country contends with relentless air assaults. A Ukrainian lawmaker also verified the receipt of these advanced aircraft, although the exact number remains undisclosed.
For months, Ukraine has urged Western allies to supply F-16s, citing their crucial role in neutralizing enemy air defenses. The provision of these jets has been a topic of extensive deliberation among NATO countries, with concerns about potential war escalation. Despite reservations, the US has trained Ukrainian pilots, graduating its first class recently.
In August 2023, President Biden authorized the dispatch of US-built F-16s to Ukraine after intense internal debates and continuous pressure from Kyiv. During a NATO summit in Washington earlier this month, President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated his request for unrestricted use of Western-supplied weaponry, a move that would allow Ukraine to target a broader range of Russian assets.
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NATO members such as Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway have pledged over 60 F-16s to Ukraine. However, this quantity pales in comparison to Russia's extensive air fleet, which is thought to outnumber Ukraine's new jets by a factor of 10. Ukrainian officials estimate that at least 130 F-16s are needed to effectively counter Russian air power. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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