F-16's live in Ukraine

[Worldnis]

On Sat 4 Aug a press conference was held by Pres. Zelensky to show the first batch of promised F-16s were delivered and flying in Ukraine.
According to two sources, 80-3596 and 80-3599 were seen as flyers, this would make them former RDAF E-596 and E-599. A total of 10 was mentioned in online Ukranian sources, which should include 6 former RNLAF examples.

On the ground two non-flyers, one had 84-1378 on the air intake cover, although not firm confirmation, it would make it a former USAF F-16C, ex 509 AMARG store. F-16.net makes these two F-16ADF variants, but non-flyers anyway. I am sure more details will pop up in the coming weeks.

[Rene Klok]

84-1378 is most definately a F-16C. ADF versions are all block 15 birds and 84-1378 is a block 25 one.

[mod edit: opinions/assessments here]

[Stratofreighter]

https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing ... 56.article

Ukraine pursues retired NATO fighter pilots to fly new F-16 fleet

13 August 2024

Ukraine is exploring the possibility of recruiting retired NATO fighter pilots
to supplement the country’s beleaguered air force.

The initiative will specifically target aviators qualified on the single-engined Lockheed Martin F-16,
which the Ukrainian air force recently began operating,
according to two US lawmakers briefed on the plan.

Senators Richard Blumenthal and Lindsey Graham met with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky
during a 12 August 2024 visit to Kyiv,
during which the pilot recruitment idea was discussed.

[Canberra TT.18]

A delivered F-16 crashed.

De Volkskrant reports
https://www.volkskrant.nl/buitenland/li ... ~bf591e3e/

And Wall Street Journal
https://www.wsj.com/world/ukrainian-f-1 ... h-4f6d66f6

(EDIT) Confirmed by Ukraine
The pilot didn't survive the crash. R.I.P.