NATO summit - Ukraine takes delivery of F-16s - to be deployed this summer
Still in this summer, the promised F-16 combat jets from foreign partners are expected to be used in Ukraine for the defense against the Russian aggression war. The transfer of the Jets is already in progress, according to the statement made by the USA, the Netherlands, and Denmark on the sidelines of the NATO Summit in Washington.
F-16 Jets provided by Denmark and the Netherlands
The statement is about F-16 jets from American production, which Denmark and the Netherlands are providing. "The handover process for these F-16s is now underway, and Ukraine will fly operationally ready F-16s this summer," it was stated in the declaration. "Due to security reasons, we cannot disclose any further details at this time."
The three countries also thanked Belgium and Norway for their commitment to provide additional aircraft to Kiev.
Ukraine has been repelling a Russian invasion for almost two and a half years and is in dire need of foreign weapons deliveries. For a long time, Kiev has been urgently asking for combat jets of western origin, especially the F-16.
The USA cleared the way at the G7 Summit in Japan in 2023
At the G7 Summit in Japan in May 2023, the USA paved the way for other countries to deliver jets of this type to Ukraine. Denmark and the Netherlands have declared 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 primarily intended to prevent unhindered bombing runs by Russian aircraft.
Zelenskyy: Needs at least 128 combat jets
The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had asked the allies at the Gipfel's edge earlier about western combat jets in large numbers. Zelenskyy said at a speech at the Ronald Reagan Foundation in Washington the evening before the announcement, "Ukraine hopes in this summer for the first individual machines of the F-16 type." At the same time, Ukraine needs at least 128 combat aircraft. Russia can daily set 300 aircraft into action against Ukraine.
According to Ukrainian media reports, Zelenskyy found an original comparison for waiting for decisions from partners: "Do you know, we are always waiting. Just like my mother used to wait for me after school, and I always found an excuse to come home later. It's the same, only much more serious."
- At the recent NATO summit in Washington, the USA, the Netherlands, and Denmark announced their intent to transfer F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, aiding in its defense against Russian aggression.
- The provision of these F-16 jets is a critical contribution from NATO allies, with Denmark and the Netherlands providing aircraft directly from American production.
- The statement mentioned that the handover process for these F-16 jets is currently underway, with Ukraine expected to fly operationally ready F-16s this summer.
- Beside Denmark and the Netherlands, Belgium and Norway have also pledged to contribute additional aircraft to Ukraine, showing solidarity in the face of Russian aggression.
- The military aid to Ukraine is long overdue, with the country having been under Russian invasion for nearly two and a half years.
- Volodymyr Selensky, the Ukrainian President, had previously urged for large-scale deliveries of combat jets, especially the F-16, during the G8 summit in Japan in 2023.
- During his speech at the Ronald Reagan Foundation in Washington before the announcement, Selensky expressed his hope that Ukraine would receive the first individual F-16 jets this summer.
- Despite the delivery commitments, Russia continues to deploy up to 300 aircraft daily against Ukraine, highlighting the importance of robust defense support from international partners.
- The united front of allies, such as the USA, Netherlands, Denmark, and Japan, plays a crucial role in maintaining security and stability in the region and providing Ukraine with a much-needed defense.
