U.S. Approves Sending F-16 Fighter Jets to Ukraine to Counter Russian Invaders
WASHINGTON, Aug 17 (Reuters) – The United States has given its approval to send F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine from Denmark and the Netherlands to defend against Russian invaders, a U.S. official announced on Thursday. The transfer of the jets will take place as soon as pilot training is completed.
Ukraine has actively sought the U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets to help counter Russian air superiority. In response to Ukraine’s request, Washington has assured Denmark and the Netherlands that it will expedite the approval of transfer requests for F-16s to go to Ukraine once the pilots are trained.
Dutch Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra welcomed the decision, stating on messaging platform X, formerly known as Twitter, “We welcome Washington’s decision to pave the way for sending F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. Now, we will further discuss the subject with our European partners.”
Denmark also expressed its willingness to provide Ukraine with the jets, stating that it will be discussed with close allies. Danish defense minister Jakob Ellemann-Jensen told news agency Ritzau, “The government has said several times that a donation is a natural next step after training. We are discussing it with close allies, and I expect we will soon be able to be more concrete about that.”
A coalition of 11 countries was scheduled to begin training Ukrainian pilots to fly the F-16 fighter jets this month in Denmark. Denmark’s acting Defense Minister Troels Poulsen previously stated that the country hopes to see “results” from the training in early 2024.
NATO members Denmark and the Netherlands have been leading international efforts to train pilots, support staff, maintain aircraft, and ultimately enable Ukraine to obtain F-16s for use in its war with Russia.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte had previously announced in May that the Netherlands was seriously considering providing Ukraine with F-16s, as the country is currently phasing out the fighter jets from its own armed forces.
According to figures from the Dutch defense ministry, the Netherlands currently has 24 operational F-16s, which will be phased out by mid-2024. Another 18 jets are currently available for sale, of which 12 have been provisionally sold.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken sent letters to his Danish and Dutch counterparts, assuring them that the requests for transfer would be approved. In a letter seen by Reuters, Blinken stated, “I am writing to express the United States’ full support for both the transfer of F-16 fighter aircraft to Ukraine and for the training of Ukrainian pilots by qualified F-16 instructors.”
Blinken emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against ongoing Russian aggression and violation of its sovereignty. He stated that the approval of the requests would allow Ukraine to take “full advantage of its new capabilities as soon as the first set of pilots complete their training.”
U.S. President Joe Biden endorsed training programs for Ukrainian pilots on F-16s in May. In addition to training in Denmark, a training center was to be set up in Romania.
However, Ukraine will not be able to operate the U.S.-built F-16 fighter jets during the upcoming autumn and winter seasons, according to Ukraine air force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat.
U.S. officials have privately acknowledged that the F-16 jets would have limited impact on Ukraine’s current counteroffensive and will not be a game changer given the presence of Russian air defense systems and contested skies over Ukraine.
The F-16 fighter jet is manufactured by Lockheed Martin (LMT.N).
Reporting By Steve Holland; additional reporting by Idrees Ali and Bart Meijer, Louise Rasmussen in Copenhagen; Editing by Cynthia Osterman and Toby Chopra
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National security correspondent focusing on the Pentagon in Washington D.C. Reports on U.S. military activity and operations throughout the world and the impact that they have. Has reported from over two dozen countries to include Iraq, Afghanistan, and much of the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. From Karachi, Pakistan.
What other forms of support are Denmark and the Netherlands providing to Ukraine in addition to the provision of F-16s
Eads of the Dutch and Danish governments expressing gratitude for their commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression. He emphasized that the transfer of F-16 fighter jets will greatly enhance Ukraine’s capabilities and serve as a strong deterrent against further Russian aggression.
The decision to send F-16s to Ukraine was met with positive responses from both Denmark and the Netherlands. Dutch Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra expressed his satisfaction with the decision and emphasized the need to continue discussions with European partners on the matter. Meanwhile, Danish Defense Minister Jakob Ellemann-Jensen stated that providing F-16s to Ukraine is a natural next step and that discussions with close allies are ongoing.
The training of Ukrainian pilots to fly the F-16 fighter jets is set to begin this month in Denmark, with a coalition of 11 countries leading the efforts. Danish Acting Defense Minister Troels Poulsen has expressed hope for positive results from the training by early 2024.
Both Denmark and the Netherlands are actively supporting Ukraine in various capacities, including training pilots, providing support staff, maintaining aircraft, and facilitating the acquisition of F-16s for Ukraine’s use in its conflict with Russia.
The Netherlands, which is phasing out its own F-16s, had previously announced its intention to provide Ukraine with these fighter jets. The country currently has 24 operational F-16s, which will be phased out by mid-2024. Additionally, 18 jets are available for sale, with 12 of them provisionally sold.
In conclusion, the United States’ approval to send F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine from Denmark and the Netherlands marks a significant step in bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities against Russian aggression. The decision has been met with positive responses from both countries, and pilot training is set to commence this month. The provision of F-16s is part of broader efforts by Denmark and the Netherlands to support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
This is a necessary step to protect Ukraine and deter further Russian aggression. Their defense capabilities need reinforcement, and F-16s could be a game-changer.