Key Highlights:
- Western F-16 fighter jets are expected to grace the Ukrainian skies by mid-summer
- In August 2023, the US authorized to supply F-16 fighter jets
- A coalition of 14 countries pledged to deliver these planes and assist with training
- Netherlands will be the largest contributor, offering 42 jets
Ukraine, embroiled in a conflict with Russia for over two years, has been actively seeking F-16 fighter jets. Several NATO countries, including Norway, Denmark, Netherlands, and Belgium, have pledged to donate these aircraft to Ukraine.
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As per the current schedule, Western F-16 fighter jets are expected to grace the Ukrainian skies by mid-summer. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba confirmed that everything is proceeding as planned. However, he also acknowledged the complexity and unpredictability of the situation, hinting at potential changes in the future.
During an online briefing with foreign media in Warsaw, Kuleba shared that the pilot training is progressing well. He also emphasized the significant role and efforts of their partners in training Ukrainian pilots and engineers.
Transitioning from Soviet-type aircraft to Western-type aircraft necessitates comprehensive changes in various aspects, including education, logistics, air combat philosophy, and many other elements.
F-16 Fighter Jet Supplies
In August 2023, the United States authorized its allies to supply U.S.-made planes to Kyiv. These aircraft feature modern avionics and radars, providing an upgrade for Ukraine’s Air Force, which had previously relied on Soviet-era MiG and Sukhoi jets.
A coalition of 14 countries pledged to deliver these planes and assist with training. However, uncertainty remains regarding their arrival and deployment in the ongoing conflict. Denmark committed to donating 19 F-16s to Ukraine, with 14 expected to arrive this year and the remaining five scheduled for 2025. Notably, the Danish Defense Ministry confirmed a six-month delay in the first shipment of six F-16s, now anticipated during the second quarter of 2024.
Belgium and Norway also agreed to provide dozens of F-16s for combat, while the Netherlands will be the largest contributor, offering 42 jets. Although Ukrainian pilot training details were not disclosed by Ihnat, the U.K. Defense Ministry previously reported that the initial batch of Ukrainian pilots received basic training before proceeding to Denmark.
Ihnat previously stated that the first F-16 fighters might appear in Ukraine by spring 2024, with approximately 150 aircraft sufficient to safeguard the country’s airspace. While six advanced pilots are already flying F-16s in Denmark, the least experienced group is training in the U.K. and may not be ready until 2025. An intermediate group, currently training in Arizona, is expected to graduate later this year, according to a U.S. State Department briefing.
Putin has declared that any F-16s delivered to Ukraine by its NATO allies will be destroyed by Russian forces, regardless of their location. He has, however, maintained that Russia does not intend to attack any NATO member country.
Putin Warns
Vladimir Putin has issued a strong warning against the potential deployment of American F-16 fighter jets in Ukraine. He has stated that Russia is prepared to counter and eliminate them, reflecting its stance towards other military equipment supplied by the West. This statement comes in the midst of ongoing discussions, even though no shipments have been sent yet.
Putin has declared that any F-16s delivered to Ukraine by its NATO allies will be destroyed by Russian forces, regardless of their location. He has, however, maintained that Russia does not intend to attack any NATO member country.
During a visit to the 344th Army Aviation Centre in Torzhok, where combat pilots are trained, Putin was questioned about the possibility of Russian pilots targeting these jets at NATO airfields. He responded affirmatively, stating that if the jets are used from third-country airfields, they become legitimate targets for Russia, irrespective of their location.
He further stated that Russia would destroy these planes in the same manner as they would destroy tanks, armored vehicles, and other equipment, including multiple launch rocket systems. He also noted that F-16s are nuclear weapon carriers, which would be taken into account when planning combat operations. However, he insisted that the delivery of these aircraft would not alter the battlefield dynamics.
In the same session, Putin seemed to contradict himself by dismissing the idea of Russia attacking a NATO country. This comes despite warnings from President Joe Biden and other Western leaders, including Admiral Rob Bauer, the chairman of NATO’s military committee, about the potential for conflict with Russia.
On March 17, Putin acknowledged the possibility of a full-scale conflict with NATO, stating that “anything is possible in today’s world.” However, he later dismissed this prospect, calling it “complete nonsense” and specifically denying the possibility of attacks on countries like Poland and the Baltic states.
Russia has portrayed the full-scale invasion as a proxy war between Moscow and NATO. Putin reiterated Kremlin rhetoric blaming the alliance for the war, but once again dismissed Western claims that he would seek to attack other countries following Ukraine.
Ukraine Authorized For F-16 Strikes Beyond Its Borders
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, in an interview with Voice of America, stated that once Ukraine receives F-16 fighter jets from the West, it will be entitled to target legitimate Russian military targets beyond its borders. He pointed out that different allies have varying policies on this matter, but overall, Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine is a clear violation of international law. Under international law, Ukraine has the right to self-defense, which includes the right to strike legitimate Russian military targets beyond its borders.
Stoltenberg reiterated that it is currently uncertain when Kyiv will receive the aircraft, as it depends on the decisions of allies and countries. He emphasized that Ukraine’s partners are keen to provide this assistance as soon as possible.
Stoltenberg stated that they need to heed the advice of military experts regarding when they or the allies will be ready to start sending and delivering the F-16s. He stressed the importance of the jets being effective weapons, with well-trained pilots and good support systems in place when they are provided to Ukraine. He added that the sooner this can be achieved, the better.
The situation is getting tense with the expected arrival of F-16 fighter jets in Ukraine. This is happening while the relationship with Russia is strained. NATO allies are promising to help, and Ukraine is getting ready for the new jets. But, Russia’s leader, Vladimir Putin, is strongly warning against this move, which makes things uncertain. There are mixed messages about what Russia plans to do. But, NATO is standing firm, saying Ukraine has the right to protect itself.
