In Ukraine, they hoped that the promised F-16s would strengthen their military efforts, but for now the planes have not yet arrived, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with the BBC, Focus broadcasts.
"It's been 18 months now and we still don't have these planes," Zelensky noted, expressing gratitude for the support but stressing that Ukraine needs new fighters to break through the Russian air front and regain control of the skies.
Earlier in the interview, Zelensky stressed that in order to achieve effective air competition with Russia, Ukraine needs at least 128 F-16s, instead of the meager 10-20 that were envisaged. "These are just drops in the ocean, the real need is 128 planes," he stated during his visit to the “Ronald Reagan“ Institute. in Washington.
However, recently the Minister of Defense of the Netherlands, Ruben Brekelmans, assured that the planes will arrive in Ukraine soon. Norway has also committed to providing six F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, with deliveries starting this year.
David Arahamia, head of the “Servant of the People” and a member of Ukraine's National Security Commission, noted that Ukrainian partners have promised more F-16 fighter jets than they have been able to train pilots.