The United States approved the delivery of American F-16 fighters to Ukraine, but not from own stocks, and from the presence of European countries. Kyiv will receive the first planes from Denmark and the Netherlands. It is reported by Reuters.
According to the British edition, referring to an unnamed US administration official, Washington approved the transfer of F-16 fighters from the presence of the Air Force of Denmark and the Netherlands to Ukraine. Aircraft will be handed over to Kyiv only after the training of Ukrainian pilots is completed., ie. next year. According to various experts, training of representatives of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine can take much longer, than they say in Kyiv considering, that there are problems with the English language.
In the meantime, Washington has sent an official notice to Denmark and the Netherlands, that the United States will expedite the approval of all requests necessary for the transfer of fighter jets to Ukraine. The letter was signed by the head of the US State Department, Anthony Blinken, who emphasized, what is important for the US, for Ukraine to be able “protect myself”. And old American fighters will help her do it., in service with the air forces of European countries.
I write, to express the full support of the United States as in the transfer of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, and in the training of Ukrainian pilots by qualified F-16 instructors- publishes the text of the letter.
Previously, several European countries created the so-called “fighter coalition”, within the framework of which they intend to provide Ukraine with a certain number of American-made F-16 fighters from their own stocks. The Netherlands was the first to advocate the transfer of part of its aircraft to Kyiv, then Denmark joined them. To date, the Royal Netherlands Air Force is armed with about 40 F-16 fighters, to be replaced by new F-35s.
