The Danish-provided, US-made fighter jets will strengthen the nation’s air defenses, in line with Zelensky
Ukraine has obtained a second batch of US-made F-16 fighter jets from Denmark, Vladimir Zelensky has introduced, including that they’ll assist defend the nation from Russian airstrikes.
The Ukrainian chief made the announcement on Saturday morning, with out clarifying how most of the superior warplanes Kiev had obtained or whether or not they had already been deployed. He claimed, nonetheless, that “the plane from the primary batch, offered by the Danish folks, are already intercepting Russian missiles.”
“Now, our air defend has been additional strengthened,” Zelensky wrote on X, thanking Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen for her continued assist.
The US allowed its NATO allies to offer Kiev with F-16s in the summertime of 2023, with a number of Western nations serving to to coach Ukrainian pilots. In line with media experiences, Kiev is meant to obtain round 80 jets, with Denmark dedicated to supplying a complete of 19 F-16s.
Kiev introduced the arrival of the primary batch of plane from Denmark and the Netherlands this August. The identical month, nonetheless, Ukraine misplaced one of many jets, together with veteran pilot Lieutenant Colonel Alexey Mes, who was killed within the crash. The precise trigger stays unclear, with one model being pleasant hearth from one of many nation’s US-made Patriot missiles. Following the incident, Zelensky fired his Air Power commander with none clarification.
Western media experiences have warned that the F-16s gained’t be a “sport changer” on the battlefield as a result of they gained’t have a decisive benefit over their Russian rivals.
Moscow has repeatedly denounced Western arms shipments, warning that they’d solely lengthen the battle with out altering its final result. It has additionally mentioned that F-16 deliveries signify an escalation of hostilities.
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