The first batch of F-16 fighters promised by NATO has reportedly already arrived in Ukraine. On July 10, the White House had announced that the deadline for starting the transfer of the American-made fighter jets was the end of this month and it was possible to respect this schedule, although in this first stage there would be only a few planes, according to sources consulted by Bloomberg, who asked to remain anonymous. This information has not yet been publicly confirmed by Ukrainian officials or their Western allies.
Kiev will be able to take possession of the next F-16s as and when, as U.S. and NATO officials have repeatedly said, their future pilots and technical personnel are properly prepared to operate them adequately. The first F-16 fighters received (possibly six units) will probably remain at Ukrainian rear air bases, where they will serve to generate experience and operational doctrine, before they can be launched into combat against Russian positions.
See also: How Ukraine plans to use F-16 fighters to challenge Russian air superiority
Is the arrival of F-16 a turning point?
Ukraine expects to receive about 80 fourth-generation F-16 multirole fighters, supplied by its Western allies through the Air Force Capability Coalition, led by Denmark, the Netherlands and the United States. And while this is a substantial number of aircraft and the Ukrainian Air Force has already outlined strategies on how best to use them, it is not expected that they alone can turn the situation on the frontline around.
F-16s are not a magic bullet. The war in Ukraine remains a complex and multifaceted conflict, and the success of these aircraft will depend on a combination of factors, including pilot training, availability of spare parts and integration with the rest of the Ukrainian armed forces
