F-16 fighter jets to be sent to Ukraine with U.S. approval

author: FutureCar Staff    

The United States has approved the transfer of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine from Denmark and the Netherlands, according to a U.S. official. The jets will be used to defend against Russian invaders once pilot training is completed. Ukraine has actively sought these F-16s to counter Russian air superiority.

Washington has given Denmark and the Netherlands official assurances that transfer requests for the F-16s will be expedited once the pilots are trained. Dutch Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra welcomed the decision and expressed the intention to discuss the matter further with European partners.

Denmark also stated that providing Ukraine with the jets will be discussed as a natural next step after training. Danish Defense Minister Jakob Ellemann-Jensen expects concrete decisions to be made soon after discussions with close allies.

A coalition of 11 countries, led by Denmark and the Netherlands, will begin training Ukrainian pilots to fly the F-16s later this month. The training is expected to yield results by early 2024, as stated by Denmark's acting Defense Minister Troels Poulsen in July.

NATO members Denmark and the Netherlands have been at the forefront of international efforts to train pilots and support staff, maintain aircraft, and ultimately help Ukraine acquire F-16s for its war with Russia.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has confirmed that the Netherlands is seriously considering providing Ukraine with F-16s, as the country is phasing out these fighter jets from its own armed forces. Currently, the Netherlands has 24 operational F-16s, which will be phased out by mid-2024.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken has sent letters to his Danish and Dutch counterparts assuring them that the transfer requests will be approved. Blinken emphasized the United States' full support for the transfer and training of Ukrainian pilots, highlighting the importance of Ukraine's ability to defend itself against Russian aggression.

U.S. President Joe Biden endorsed the training programs for Ukrainian pilots on F-16s in May. In addition to training in Denmark, a training center was planned to be set up in Romania.

Despite the upcoming arrival of the F-16 jets, Ukraine's air force spokesperson, Yuriy Ihnat, has stated that Kyiv will not be able to operate them during the autumn and winter. U.S. officials privately acknowledge that the F-16s may not significantly impact the current situation due to Russian air defense systems and the contested skies over Ukraine.

The F-16 fighter jets are manufactured by Lockheed Martin.

FutureCar Staff