Zelensky Says Ukraine Needs F-16s to Gain Air Superiority Over Russia

Ukrainian armed forces require approximately 160 American-made F-16 fighter jets to achieve superiority in the skies over Russia. This statement was made by President Volodymyr Zelensky in an interview with Portuguese RTP television.

According to the president, there is currently an agreement to supply 50-60 aircraft of this model to Ukraine in the future.

In total, around 160 fighter jets are necessary to deprive the Russian Federation of its dominance in the airspace.

Commenting on the timeline for the delivery of the fighter jets, Zelensky stated that the aircraft should arrive in Ukraine by early next year. The handover of the F-16s will occur later than the president initially expected. The head of state also emphasized that the fighters are essential for protecting the civilian population and safeguarding commercial vessels in the Black Sea.