Foto:Depositphotos

Ukraine received its first F-16 fighter jets, the delivery of which was delayed for several months due to various factors, including language barriers and technical difficulties, according to Bloomberg. The transfer of American military aircraft was completed in accordance with the established deadline of the end of July, despite difficulties with the organization and training of pilots.

The number of delivered aircraft remains small, and it is not yet clear whether Ukrainian pilots who have been trained with Western allies will be able to immediately begin operating the new combat vehicles. This process may require additional time, as training and integration of new technologies often require significant resources.

The delivery of the F-16 is seen as an important step in strengthening Ukraine’s defense potential, especially in the context of the ongoing conflict with Russia. The Kremlin uses its air superiority to strike critical infrastructure, resulting in severe consequences for civilians, including widespread power outages.

Diana Davytyan, spokeswoman for the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, declined to comment without providing additional details about the supply. Representatives of the US Department of Defense and the National Security Council also declined to comment.

The decision to supply F-16 to Ukraine was made after more than a year of discussions and debates. US President Joe Biden agreed to the transfer of the planes in May 2023, responding to repeated requests from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi and NATO allies. However, experienced pilots have expressed doubts about whether the F-16 will be able to provide the decisive advantage in the conflict that Ukraine hopes for.