US confirms preparation of additional F-16 fighters for Ukraine

F-16 fighter jet, photo: Getty Images

The United States will provide Ukraine with new F-16 fighter jets. The aircraft are already being prepared for shipment.

This was announced by General Christopher Cavoli, head of the US European Command, speaking in the Senate.

According to him, a certain number of these aircraft are already in Ukraine, and pilot training is underway. Additional F-16s are currently being prepared for shipment, and new pilots are undergoing training. The general did not disclose the exact number of aircraft, explaining that this data could be announced during a closed meeting.

Christopher Cavoli also noted that Ukrainian F-16s are actively used in combat operations: they fly daily missions, successfully destroy cruise missiles and take part in offensive operations, including bombing in the east of the country.

At the same time, none of these fighters came directly from the United States - they were donated by the Netherlands and Denmark.

Earlier, Ukraine's Defence Minister Rustem Umerov said that new deliveries of F-16s are scheduled for 2025 following negotiations with the Netherlands. At the end of March, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that several more fourth-generation F-16 fighters had arrived in Ukraine.

Ukraine also expects to receive fighter jets from Belgium, which are scheduled for delivery in 2026.