Ukraine has received its first American-made F-16 fighter jets, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced at an airbase ceremony, expressing gratitude to allies while acknowledging the need for more jets and trained pilots.

This delivery marks a significant enhancement of Ukraine's air force capabilities, which primarily rely on Soviet-era jets.

Approximately 65 F-16s have been pledged by NATO countries since US President Joe Biden's authorization in August 2023.

While these jets offer the potential for deeper strikes and defense against Russian glide bombs, their deployment has sparked wa ings from Russia, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov threatening to shoot them down and targeting bases storing them.



(colombotimes.lk)