US Approves Sending F-16 Fighter Jets to Ukraine to Counter Russian Aggression
In a move to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian invaders, the United States has approved the transfer of F-16 fighter jets from Denmark and the Netherlands. The decision comes after Ukraine actively sought these US-made fighter jets to counter Russian air superiority. Once pilot training is completed, the F-16s will be sent to Ukraine, according to a US official.
Denmark and the Netherlands received official assurances from the United States that transfer requests for the F-16s to Ukraine will be expedited once the pilots are trained. Dutch Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra welcomed the decision, stating that the Netherlands will engage in further discussions with European partners regarding the matter. Denmark also expressed its willingness to provide Ukraine with the fighter jets after pilot training is complete.
A coalition of 11 countries, led by Denmark and the Netherlands, is scheduled to begin training Ukrainian pilots to fly the F-16s this month in Denmark. The acting Defense Minister of Denmark, Troels Poulsen, stated in July that the country expects to see the results of the training in early 2024. Both Denmark and the Netherlands have been actively involved in training pilots and support staff, as well as maintaining aircraft, to enable Ukraine to acquire F-16s for its war with Russia.
The Netherlands, which is currently phasing out its own fleet of F-16s, has been seriously considering providing Ukraine with the fighter jets. The country currently has 24 operational F-16s, which will be phased out by mid-2024. An additional 18 jets are available for sale, with 12 already provisionally sold.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken sent letters to his Danish and Dutch counterparts assuring them that the transfer requests would be approved. In his letter, Blinken stated, “It remains critical that Ukraine is able to defend itself against ongoing Russian aggression and violation of its sovereignty.” He emphasized that the approval of the requests would allow Ukraine to fully utilize its new capabilities as soon as the first set of pilots complete their training.
US President Joe Biden endorsed the training programs for Ukrainian pilots on F-16s in May. In addition to training in Denmark, a training center is set to be established in Romania. However, Ukraine’s air force spokesperson, Yuriy Ihnat, recently announced that Kyiv will not be able to operate the US-built F-16 fighter jets during the upcoming autumn and winter seasons.
While the arrival of the F-16s may not be a game changer in the current counteroffensive against Russia due to Russian air defense systems and contested skies over Ukraine, the decision to send these fighter jets demonstrates the United States’ commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression.
The F-16 fighter jets are manufactured by Lockheed Martin. The transfer of these jets to Ukraine will enhance its defense capabilities and contribute to the ongoing efforts to safeguard its sovereignty.
As tensions between Ukraine and Russia continue to escalate, the approval of the F-16 transfer signals a significant step in strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities and deterring further aggression from Russia.
Original Story at www.reuters.com – 2023-08-18 06:56:00
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