'F-16s in Ukraine. We did it': Zelensky confirms long-awaited arrival of fighter jets

President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed the arrival of F-16 fighter jets after more than 29 months since Russia's invasion. 

"F-16s are in Ukraine. We did it. I am proud of our guys who are mastering these jets and have already started using them for our country," President Zelensky told reporters at an airfield where he met pilots.

The jets have long been at the top of Ukraine's wish list because of their formidable destructive power and global availability.

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With around 3,000 F-16s in service today in 25 countries, it is the West's most widely produced military jet.

Equipped with a 20mm cannon, these fighter jets are also capable of carrying various munitions, including bombs, rockets, and missiles.

"We are now in a new phase of development for the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," President Zelensky said on X.

"We have done a lot to transition the Ukrainian Air Force to a new aviation standard – Western combat aviation."

"I thank all the partners who are truly helping with the F-16s, and the first countries that accepted our request for aircraft – Denmark, the Netherlands, the United States, – and all our partners, – we value your support."

Russia has been targeting bases that may house the F-16s and vowed to shoot them down so they will not impact the war. 

President Zelensky said Ukraine still did not have enough pilots trained to use the F-16s or enough of the jets themselves, according to Reuters.