Here’s Our First Look At The First Ukrainian Air Force F-16 Jets | Aviation

First F-16s in Ukrainian Air Force markings break cover.

President Volodymyr  has announced that Ukraine has taken delivery of its initial batch of F-16 fighter jets on Aug. 4, 2024. “F-16s are now in Ukraine. We did it,” he proclaimed during a ceremony held at a confidential site, with the aircraft positioned alongside him, and another pair flying overhead. It’s not clear how many aircraft have been delivered so far besides the four seen at the welcome ceremony.

Zelensky mentioned the shortage of trained pilots and jets but remained optimistic, noting that more F-16s and trained personnel are expected soon.

🇺🇦✈️The fist official video of F-16s in Ukraine!https://t.co/E5XTNGSLGE pic.twitter.com/MbSut4JVLL

— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) August 4, 2024

Images released by the Ukrainian Air Force depict the fighters armed with live AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9 Sidewinder AAMs (Air-to-Air Missiles) during taxi and flight operations.

Zelensky expressed gratitude towards Denmark, the Netherlands, and especially the United States for their assistance in providing the jets after an 18-month wait, while noting that a significant number of additional jets are still required.

F-16s are in Ukraine 🇺🇦
Welcome to the family! pic.twitter.com/QyOtxQjXpK

— Defense of…