Delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine launched - to be deployed this summer
Since about a year ago, Kiev has been waiting for the promised F-16 jets from Denmark and the Netherlands - now it's time. The transfer of the combat planes is in full swing. They are expected to be in use as early as this summer. In addition, the expansion of the Ukrainian air defense is set to continue.
After a year-long delay, NATO partners have begun the delivery of F-16 combat jets to Ukraine. Denmark and the Netherlands announced at the NATO summit in Washington that the transfer of the aircraft had begun with US support. Ukraine will have "F-16s ready for action" this summer. Details were not provided by the NATO countries due to security concerns.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had previously stated at a security forum in Washington, "While we're all here talking, the delivery of F-16 aircraft is underway." A coalition including the Netherlands and Denmark had promised Kiev the combat jets last year, but the delivery kept getting delayed. Blinken also did not specify how many planes were on the move. The new Dutch government promised Kiev an "urgent" delivery over the weekend. The coalition also includes Belgium, Norway, and other countries.
"We are determined to build up the Ukrainian air force further," the statement from Denmark, the Netherlands, and the US read. This included "also squadrons of modern F-16 multirole fighter jets of the fourth generation." The coalition would support the maintenance and armament of these aircraft and promote the training of pilots.
Meanwhile, NATO member Norway announced it would hand over six F-16s to Ukraine. The first jets are expected to be delivered this year. The capabilities of Ukraine to defend itself against air attacks are crucial in its defense against Russia, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre stated.
At the G7 summit in Japan in May 2023, the US paved the way for other countries to supply jets of this type to Ukraine. Denmark and the Netherlands expressed their readiness. The training of Ukrainian pilots and ground crews for this aircraft type has been ongoing for months. However, none of the jets have arrived in Ukraine yet. They are expected to primarily prevent unhindered bombing runs by Russian aircraft.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had asked the allies for a large number of western combat jets at the G7 summit. Zelenskyy stated at a speech at the Ronald Reagan Foundation in Washington the day before the announcement, "Ukraine hopes to receive the first individual machines of the F-16 type this summer." Ukraine needs at least 128 combat aircraft. Russia can reportedly deploy up to 300 aircraft daily for attacks on Ukraine.
According to Ukrainian media reports, Zelenskyy found an original comparison for the waiting on decisions from partners: "Do you know, we're always waiting. It's the same, only much more serious. Like my mother used to wait for me after school and I always found an excuse to come home later."
- Despite the delay, Denmark and the Netherlands have finally initiated the delivery of F-16 fighter aircraft to Ukraine, with the support of the USA.
- The Russian attack on Ukraine has highlighted the importance of Ukraine's acquisition of modern air defense systems, such as the F-16 jets supplied by Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway.
- The transfer of F-16 aircraft from the Netherlands is part of a coalition's commitment to support Ukraine's defense against air attacks and to train its pilots and ground crews.
- Russia's potential to deploy up to 300 aircraft daily for attacks on Ukraine underscores the urgent need for Ukrainian forces to receive advanced combat jets like the F-16s promised by Denmark and the Netherlands.
- In a speech at the Ronald Reagan Foundation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his hope that Ukraine would receive its first F-16 jets this summer, emphasizing the crucial role they would play in deterring unhindered Russian bombing runs.
