Ukraine is keeping tight-lipped about the number of F-16 fighter jets it received from the US, causing speculation and intrigue in the international community. According to adviser to the presidential office Mykhailo Podolyak, the first batch of F-16s arrived in Ukraine on July 31, but the exact quantity remains undisclosed.
Photo: commons.wikimedia.org by Tomás Del Coro, PDM
Western countries have refrained from commenting on the transfer of F-16s to Ukraine, and Kyiv has followed suit by maintaining official silence. The arrival of these fighter jets is expected to bolster Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, particularly against Russian-launched cruise missiles.
With a top speed of 2,100 kilometers per hour and the ability to carry various weapons, the F-16 Fighting Falcon is a formidable aircraft. Operated by over 20 countries, the cost of one unit exceeds $40 million. This strategic addition to Ukraine’s military arsenal is essential for countering external threats and safeguarding national security.