The United States has granted approval for the transfer of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine from Denmark and the Netherlands to defend against Russian aggression, according to a U.S. official. The jets will be sent as soon as pilot training is completed. Ukraine has actively sought these U.S.-made fighter jets to counter Russian air superiority. Washington has assured Denmark and the Netherlands that transfer requests for the F-16s will be expedited once the pilots are trained. Dutch Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra welcomed this decision and expressed intention to discuss the matter further with European partners.
Denmark has also stated that providing Ukraine with the jets will be under consideration. Danish defense minister Jakob Ellemann-Jensen mentioned that a donation would be a natural step after training and discussions with close allies are underway. In late August, a coalition of 11 countries will commence training Ukrainian pilots to fly the F-16s in Denmark. Results from the training are expected in early 2024. Denmark and the Netherlands, as members of NATO, have been leading the international efforts to train pilots, support staff, maintain aircraft, and ultimately equip Ukraine with F-16s for its conflict with Russia.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte had previously indicated the Netherlands’ serious consideration of providing Ukraine with F-16s, as the country is phasing out these fighter jets from its own armed forces. The Netherlands currently has 24 operational F-16s, which will be phased out by mid-2024. There are 18 more jets available for sale, of which 12 have already been provisionally sold.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken has sent letters to his Danish and Dutch counterparts, assuring them of the approval of their requests. Blinken emphasized the United States’ full support for the transfer of F-16s and the training of Ukrainian pilots. He emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russian aggression and violation of sovereignty. Blinken stated that once the requests are approved, Ukraine can fully utilize its new capabilities once the initial set of pilots completes their training.
U.S. President Joe Biden endorsed the training programs for Ukrainian pilots on F-16s in May. Apart from training in Denmark, a training center will be established in Romania. However, Ukraine’s air force spokesperson, Yuriy Ihnat, recently stated that Ukraine will not be able to operate the U.S.-built F-16 fighter jets in the coming autumn and winter. U.S. officials have privately acknowledged that the F-16 jets may have limited impact in Ukraine’s current counteroffensive due to Russian air defense systems and the contested airspace.
The F-16 fighter jets are manufactured by Lockheed Martin.
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