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Ukraine gets first F-16 jets, officials say

The very first batch of long-awaited F-16 jets have arrived in Ukraine, Lithuania's foreign minister and a U.S. official stated on Wednesday, an effort Kyiv has said will assist reconstruct its diminished flying force.

F-16s, built by Lockheed Martin, have actually been on Ukraine's wish list for a very long time because of their damaging power and worldwide availability. The fighter jet is equipped with a 20mm cannon and can bring bombs, rockets and rockets.

F-16s in Ukraine. Another difficult thing ended up to be absolutely possible, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis stated on X, formerly referred to as Twitter.

A U.S. official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the shipment had been complete.

Ukraine's Flying force did not right away respond to Reuters ask for comment.

Denmark has committed to contribute 19 jets in overall, while the Netherlands has promised to provide 24 airplane. Both countries have been driving forces behind an international coalition to supply Ukraine with F-16s. Norway has likewise said that it would contribute six F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.

The pilots and ground staff have actually been trained by Ukraine's Western partners for months.

The Ukrainian armed force has actually needed to depend on a reasonably little fleet of Soviet-era jets as it has battled to keep back Russia's full-scale February 2022 invasion. Ukrainian officials see the addition of the F-16 as an important upgrade for its Air Force.

Experts and officials say the F-16s will not alone show a turning point in the war, which started with Russia's. major intrusion in February 2022.

(source: Reuters)