US opens door for F-16 fighter jets to affix struggle in Ukraine

Western fighter jets might lastly be despatched to Ukraine after America gave switch requests the inexperienced mild – however it will likely be months earlier than they see any motion.

Denmark and Holland will be capable of donate F-16 warplanes to Kyiv as soon as Ukrainian pilots have accomplished their coaching, the US stated.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated the approval will enable Ukraine to take “full advantage of its new capabilities”.

Kyiv has been calling for Western allies to provide them fighter jets to help their counter-offensive within the south and east of the war-torn nation.

It will enable them to offer Western-made tanks, such because the British Challenger 2 and American Bradley combating automobiles, with important air cowl. Ukraine has been counting on ageing Soviet-built warplanes to tackle Russia’s extra superior fighter jets.

But the Washington Post reported final week that an preliminary group of six pilots was not anticipated to finish F-16s coaching by the subsequent summer season.

And this week Ukraine air power spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat stated: “It’s already obvious we won’t be able to defend Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets during this autumn and winter.”

America’s intervention was applauded by Holland and Denmark yesterday.

Dutch Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra stated: “We welcome Washington’s determination to pave the way in which for sending F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.

“Now, we will further discuss the subject with our European partners.”

Danish defence minister Jakob Ellemann-Jensen said: “The government has said several times that a donation is a ­natural next step after training. We are discussing it with close allies.”

A coalition of 11 countries, including the US, the UK, the Netherlands and Denmark, has pledged to train Ukraine’s pilots on F-16s.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken despatched letters to his Danish and Dutch counterparts assuring them that the requests could be permitted.

Mr 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.

“It remains critical Ukraine is able to defend itself against ongoing Russian aggression and ­violation of its sovereignty.”

He stated the approval of the requests would enable Ukraine to take “full advantage of its new ­capabilities as soon as the first set of pilots completes their training.”