A new batch of F-16 fighters is being prepared for transfer to Ukraine. This was stated by the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Christopher Cavoli. According to him, in addition to the aircraft that have already been transferred, more fighters are being prepared. At the same time, Cavoli clarified that none of the aircraft transferred to Ukraine came directly from the United States.
KYIV APRIL 7: A new batch of F-16 fighters is being prepared for transfer to Ukraine. This was stated by the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Head of the U.S. European Command, U.S. Army General Christopher Cavoli during a hearing in the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee.
According to him, in addition to the aircraft that have already been transferred, more fighters are being prepared, and the training program for Ukrainian pilots is being expanded.
“There are more F-16s ready to be deployed there. There are more pilots in training”, Cavoli said.
The general emphasized that Ukrainian forces are already using F-16s to defend the sky – fighters are used to intercept Russian missiles and to launch offensive strikes. At the same time, Cavoli clarified that none of the aircraft transferred to Ukraine came directly from the United States.
“However, none of the F-16s were from the U.S. They were mostly from Northern European countries, the Netherlands and Denmark,” Cavoli added.
On March 19, President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that a new shipment of F-16 fighter jets arrived in Ukraine. Previously, Ukrainian officials said more F-16 fighter jets are expected to arrive in Ukraine this year.
Currently still serving as the unquestioned backbone of the United States Air Force’s combat fighter fleet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon is currently approaching five full decades of operational combat service. The aircraft currently has a strong production backlog, meaning that deliveries will undoubtedly continue into the near future.
One of the most critical roles the F-16 has played is in defending Ukrainian skies, proving their worth in intercepting incoming Russian missiles and drones. In one example, a Ukrainian-operated F-16 shot down six Russian cruise missiles in a single sortie. The pilot even used the aircraft’s main cannon to destroy two of the missiles, showcasing both the skill of the trained Ukrainian pilots and the platform’s versatility.
This ability to take down incoming threats is vital, given Russia’s daily bombardment of Ukrainian cities and infrastructure with drones and missiles. While Ukraine has been defending itself using Soviet-era jets like the MiG-29 and Su-27, these aircraft were never designed for modern air combat or missile interception. The F-16, with its advanced radar systems and missile capabilities, is far more effective in this role. Since the start of the war, Ukraine has repeatedly emphasized the need for Western fighter jets to counter Russia’s air power.
Having more F-16 jets in its arsenal means that Ukraine can improve its operational flexibility in the skies, switching from purely defensive to offensive missions, at a much higher pace with overall bigger efficiency and with less risk. With the continuous degrading of the Russian air defense network, through a massive operation destroying hundreds of Russian launchers, radars, and electronic warfare systems over the past months, the increased quantity of F-16 fighter jets gain the freedom to be used aggressively in offensive roles as well. They were recently involved in air strikes on Russian military positions, infrastructure, and headquarters in Kursk, dealing significant damage and sabotaging Russian efforts, working in tandem with Ukrainian MiGs.
