
Ukraine Deploys F-16 Jets in combat operations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj has announced that Ukraine has begun flying F-16 combat aircraft in operations within the country’s borders, a delivery facilitated by Denmark and the Netherlands, with Norway also preparing to send the American-made fighters. Ukraine, engaged in a war for 29 months, has eagerly awaited these Western jets to bolster its aerial capabilities. While the exact number of jets available to Ukraine currently remains unclear, as well as their potential impact on the ongoing defense against Russia, Zelenskyj acknowledged a shortfall in both planes and trained pilots but expressed optimism about additional F-16s being expected. The U.S. approved Denmark and the Netherlands to send the jets to Ukraine last August. The Ukrainian Air Force, until now, has only had older Soviet-built fighters, which were outmatched by Russia’s more advanced aircraft.