Ukraine will receive three more F-16 fighter jets from Belgium this year, while a new package of missiles for NASAMS air defence systems has already arrived.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced this in his evening address on September 29.

According to him, the additional three F-16s will strengthen the protection of Ukraine’s airspace. The President also noted that combat aircraft are currently being used to destroy Russian attack drones.

Ukraine has also received a new package of missiles for NASAMS systems.

“We are preparing new talks, including on air defense and further support for Ukraine, that will take place this week. I want to thank all our partners who are truly delivering on our agreements and supplying air defense interceptors. Just recently, a package of missiles for NASAMS arrived in Ukraine – thank you. A very good package,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The President added that Ukraine continues negotiations with its partners on the required number of missiles for Patriot air defence systems as well. New talks on air defence and further support for Ukraine are expected to take place later this week.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy linked the need to strengthen Ukraine’s air defence to the scale of Russian attacks. According to the President, Russia launched more than 100 drones on September 29, including 29 jet-powered UAVs. Ukrainian forces shot down 18 of the jet-powered drones. Most of the conventional Shahed drones were also destroyed.

On the night of September 29, Russia attacked Kyiv with ballistic missiles and drones. According to the President, Ukrainian air defence forces carried out interceptions, including successfully shooting down a ballistic target.