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Thursday, Feb 19, 2026
Outside the box.
F-16 Fighter Jets Arrive in Ukraine: A New Chapter in Air Defense
Ukraine has started flying F-16 fighter jets for operations, President Zelensky announced, marking the arrival of the U.S.-made jets after over 29 months since Russia's invasion. Despite celebrating this milestone, he emphasized the need for more pilots and jets, and hopes of forming a coalition with neighboring NATO countries to intercept Russian missiles.
Ukrainian pilots have started flying F-16s for operations within the nation, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Sunday.
This marks the arrival of the U.S.-made fighter jets over 29 months since Russia's invasion.
Meeting military pilots at an undisclosed air base, Zelensky proudly stated, 'F-16s are in Ukraine.
We did it. I am proud of our guys who are mastering these jets.' The jets, built by Lockheed Martin, have been sought by Ukraine for their destructive power and global availability.
Despite celebrating this milestone, Zelensky acknowledged the need for more trained pilots and additional jets.
He also emphasized the importance of expanding training programs for Ukrainian pilots and engineering teams.
The arrival of the F-16s represents a significant shift from Ukraine’s reliance on Soviet-era warplanes, offering enhanced capabilities against Russia's more advanced fleet.
Zelensky further expressed hopes of forming a coalition with neighboring NATO countries to intercept Russian missiles.
This marks the arrival of the U.S.-made fighter jets over 29 months since Russia's invasion.
Meeting military pilots at an undisclosed air base, Zelensky proudly stated, 'F-16s are in Ukraine.
We did it. I am proud of our guys who are mastering these jets.' The jets, built by Lockheed Martin, have been sought by Ukraine for their destructive power and global availability.
Despite celebrating this milestone, Zelensky acknowledged the need for more trained pilots and additional jets.
He also emphasized the importance of expanding training programs for Ukrainian pilots and engineering teams.
The arrival of the F-16s represents a significant shift from Ukraine’s reliance on Soviet-era warplanes, offering enhanced capabilities against Russia's more advanced fleet.
Zelensky further expressed hopes of forming a coalition with neighboring NATO countries to intercept Russian missiles.
