The first batch of F-16 fighter jets from NATO allies has already arrived in Ukraine, Babel informs.
Bloomberg reports this with reference to anonymous sources familiar with the matter.
According to the interlocutors of the publication, a “small number” of American-made F-16 military aircraft have arrived in Ukraine. However, the deadline for handing them over to Ukraine was the end of this month, and the allies met it.
It is unclear whether Ukrainian pilots will be able to use the F-16s immediately or whether the process will take longer.
The warplanes took over a year to reach Ukraine. The journey was complicated by delays, spare parts issues, and language barriers between Ukrainian pilots and their foreign instructors. Planners were also concerned that Ukraine did not have enough runways, and that those that did were vulnerable to Russian attacks.
In addition, the British newspaper The Times later reported, citing its source, that six F-16 fighter jets had been delivered to Ukraine.
According to the publication, several more will soon arrive from Denmark. However, this information has not been officially confirmed.
