"The F-16s are here!" For a few hours on December 22, 2023, rumors were flying around social media. In a single day, the Ukrainian Air Force shot down three Russian Sukhoi Su-34 fighter-bombers in the Kherson region in the south of the country. An unprecedented feat since the start of the war believed by many pro-Ukrainian sources to be possible only with the Western aircraft promised to Kyiv. However, their hopes were later dashed due to the absence of concrete evidence.

Despite the absence of supporting images or statements, the prevailing theory is now leaning towards missiles launched by a Patriot anti-aircraft battery. This rumor highlights the eagerness of Ukrainians for the arrival of their first F-16s. Although designed in the 1970s, the so-called fourth-generation American fighter could loosen the Russian stranglehold on the front line, according to Kyiv.

The range of its radar, which is much greater than that of the Soviet-origin aircraft currently available to Ukraine (mainly Mig-29s and Su-25s or Su-27s) and the quality of its air-to-air missiles would de facto push back enemy helicopters and aircraft, preventing them from bombing Ukrainian troops on the ground, as they are currently doing.

So far, four countries have committed to sending F-16s to Ukraine: Belgium, Denmark, Norway and the Netherlands. All of them own old or retired aircraft which have not yet reached their maximum flight hours. The West is keeping a tight lid on the number of aircraft to be delivered, but military sources estimate that it could be as many as 60.

The Netherlands has already transferred five of them to Romania, after removing the country's roundels from their fuselages. In August 2023, Denmark also pledged to deliver the first six aircraft – out of the 19 promised – around New Year's Day. However, the Danish Ministry of Defense indicated on Saturday, January 6, that they would not be delivered until the second quarter of 2024.

Activity is accelerating in terms of pilot and ground crew training – at least a dozen technicians are required for each aircraft. On January 2, Norway announced that it was sending two two-seater F-16s to Skrydstrup air base in Denmark to train Ukrainian airmen. Ten instructors are accompanying them. On January 4, Belgium confirmed that it too would be sending two units of the American light fighter jets and some 50 personnel to Denmark between March and September to further provide training for the Ukrainians.

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