In a highly anticipated development, the United States has confirmed that it will allow its allies to send American-made F-16 fighter jets to Kyiv once Ukrainian pilots are trained to operate them. However, due to the requirement for full training of Ukrainian pilots, the necessary approvals will not be granted for several months.
Experts believe that Ukraine’s counteroffensive, which commenced two months ago, stands a chance of success even without the fighter jets. However, it is expected to be significantly more challenging.
Ukraine’s Air Force spokesperson, Yuriy Ihnat, stated on Wednesday that the country had already realized it would not be able to operate or receive F-16 fighter jets in the upcoming fall or winter, thereby confirming that the planes will not play a role in the counteroffensive. He expressed disappointment, stating, “We had high hopes for this aircraft.”
The anticipation for the U.S. approvals had been building since May when President Biden eased his resistance to NATO allies’ efforts to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16s and provide the jets to Ukraine. The anonymous official who confirmed the U.S. shift was not authorized to publicly discuss the agreement.
Furthermore, some of the pilot training may now take place in the United States itself, according to a Pentagon spokesman. Brig. Gen. Patrick S. Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, stated in a press release that the U.S. is prepared to support the training effort in coordination with the coalition and is willing to host training for Ukrainian pilots within the U.S. if the capacity in Europe is reached.
While Ukraine currently possesses Soviet-era MIG and Sukhoi fighter jets, it has persistently argued that F-16s would provide it with the capability to achieve air superiority, a goal that neither side has decisively accomplished since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
When the U.S. transfer approvals are eventually granted, they are expected to go to Denmark and the Netherlands, which are leading a coalition to train the Ukrainian pilots. A U.S. Air Force assessment from March suggested that the quickest timeframe for full training would be four to six months, although other estimates indicate a longer duration. Additionally, extensive training on the maintenance of the jets will be necessary.
According to American officials, Ukraine has identified only eight combat pilots who are proficient enough in English to begin training, which is insufficient for a single squadron. To address this issue, approximately 20 other pilots will be sent to Britain this month to learn English.
The F-16, also known as the Fighting Falcon, has been in use since its first flight in 1976 and is employed by numerous countries worldwide for air-to-air combat and air-to-ground strikes.
The American defense contractor Lockheed Martin manufactures the F-16 fighter jets, with production taking place in Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway. A senior Ukrainian official has confirmed that all four countries have expressed their willingness to transfer the planes to Kyiv.
In May, prior to President Biden’s agreement to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16s, the leaders of Britain and the Netherlands announced the formation of an international coalition to provide Ukraine with the fighter jets and the necessary training. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated that the training would commence during the summer.
In July, Troels Poulsen, Denmark’s acting defense minister, informed reporters that the country is hopeful of seeing “results” from the training in early next year.
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