Zelenskyy: F-16 fighter jets will be in Ukrainian skies “this year”

In a video address, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that the F-16 fighter jets will be in Ukrainian skies this year. The address was recorded in Kharkiv, where Zelenskyy and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte visited on 1 March.

"Today we have a new package of military support for our warriors from the Netherlands. By the way, the Netherlands is actively helping us with air defense, with the F-16 coalition. This year, new fighter jets will be in our skies, and we have to make this year an effective one in defending ourselves against Russian guided bombs, Russian aircraft, and their missiles," Zelenskyy said.

In mid-February, Rutte stated: “We hope to transfer [the F-16s to Ukraine] as soon as possible. Twenty-four of them, maybe more, but at least 24.”​

Previously, CNN reported that the first Ukrainian pilots undertaking US F-16 training were expected to graduate by May 2023, with a dozen other airmen progressing in groups through August as part of a coordinated fighter jet supply effort. The completion date for the training of EU-trained Ukrainian pilots has not been reported.

Earlier, regarding Ukraine's future use of the F-16 jets, NATO chief Stoltenberg said Ukraine has the right to self-defense, including striking legitimate Russian military targets outside its borders.

Security agreement

Zelenskyy and Rutte sign long-term security pact between Ukraine and Netherlands

Read also:

• Stoltenberg on F-16: Ukraine has right to self-defense, including hitting targets outside the country
• CNN: First group of Ukrainian pilots to complete US F-16 training by summer
• Rutte: Ukraine to receive at least 24 F-16 jets in total