Ukrainian Air Force pilots are flying F-16 fighter jets daily, striking Russian positions and neutralizing missile threats, according to U.S. Army Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli. Speaking before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Cavoli highlighted Ukraine’s growing use of Western aircraft in combat operations.
“They fly every day; they’ve taken down a large number of cruise missiles and carried out numerous bombing missions in the east,” said Cavoli, who leads both U.S. European Command and NATO’s Allied Command Operations.
The U.S. approved the transfer of American-made F-16s to Ukraine in 2023. Since then, the Netherlands and Denmark have delivered several jets, with Norway contributing six and Belgium pledging 30—though Belgium’s deliveries have been delayed until 2025.
While exact numbers remain undisclosed, Cavoli confirmed that most jets currently flying in Ukraine are from northern Europe.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently confirmed new F-16 arrivals but didn’t name the countries. The Ukrainian Air Force reports that over 80% of F-16-fired missiles are hitting targets, including Shahed drones and Russian cruise missiles.
These jets aren’t just defending Ukrainian skies—they’re also carrying out daily ground attack and counter-air missions, even crossing into Russian-occupied territories.
This is a significant shift from 2023, when Ukraine took a cautious approach to using its newly acquired F-16s. Now, the aircraft are a central part of Ukraine’s defense and offense strategies.
Russia’s Advances and Ukraine’s Pushback
Despite Russia gaining nearly 4,000 square kilometers in 2024—mainly in eastern Donetsk—Cavoli noted that Ukraine has regained some territory, especially near Kursk and Belgorod, both inside Russia.
“There is a Ukrainian force holding on inside Kursk Oblast,” said Cavoli. “They also pushed back into Belgorod in a small counteroffensive.”
Patriot Missile Defense: A Success Story
Cavoli praised the U.S.-supplied Patriot air defense system, calling it a “success story.” Despite the complexity of the system, Ukrainian forces adapted quickly.
“We train our people for months. The Ukrainians learned fast and operated it efficiently,” he said.
The U.S. is now exploring ways to provide more Patriot systems, especially from European stockpiles, in response to Zelenskyy’s recent appeal.
Russian Losses and Industrial Recovery
Cavoli revealed that Russia has lost more than:
- 4,000 tanks
- 9,000 armored vehicles
- 13,000 artillery systems
- 400+ air defense units
Despite these staggering numbers, Russia is on pace to replenish its military stock, ramping up the production of artillery shells and cruise missiles.
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