Air Force denies media reports that F-16s are in Ukraine

This was reported by RBC-Ukraine.

Today, on December 27, the US edition of Newsweek spread information that the first F-16 aircraft may have already arrived in Ukraine. The media rumors came after the Russian army lost four Su-34s over the past week.

At the same time, Russian propagandists suggested that the Sukhoi could have been shot down by F-16s that Ukraine is waiting for from its Western partners. The Russians have even talked about the alleged destruction of the first aircraft.

However, in a comment to RBC-Ukraine, Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ihnat denied that F-16s had arrived in Ukraine. According to him, preparations are still underway to receive the first aircraft.

F-16 fighter jets for Ukraine

• On May 21, US President Joe Biden approved the training of Ukrainians on F-16s. Volodymyr Zelenskyy assured that Ukraine would not use these aircraft to strike at Russian territory. 

• Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba says that the first F-16 fighter jets are likely to fly in Ukraine's skies by the end of March 2024.

• On August 17, the United States approved the shipment of F-16 multi-role fighters to Ukraine.

• At the same time, Denmark said it would supply Ukraine with the aircraft if they were not used in Russia. 

• The Netherlands will provide 42 fighter jets. At the same time, Norway will provide Ukraine with F-16s, but the exact number is unknown.

• On September 15, Belgium joined the training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16s. Earlier, the Belgian Defense Ministry said it would not provide Ukraine with F-16 fighters because they are outdated and in poor condition. Such aircraft are dangerous to operate.

• On October 11, Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said that the country would be able to deliver the first F-16s to Ukraine in March-April 2024.

• On October 12, the media reported that the Netherlands would send F-16s to Romania, where Ukrainian pilots would begin training in a few weeks.

• On October 26, Ukrainian pilots began flight training on F-16s at an air base in Arizona, USA.

• On November 1, the Pentagon said that the training in Arizona could last from 5 to 9 months.

• According to ISW, Ukraine may receive F-16s by the end of 2023.