The first F-16 fighter jets are on their way to Ukraine and are expected to be operational this summer, according to statements from the Dutch and Danish governments, which were released by the White House during the NATO summit. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen confirmed that the “transfer process” of F-16s to Kyiv has commenced following months of pilot training and political negotiations.
The leaders stated that “Ukraine will be flying operational F-16s this summer,” marking the arrival of the first of approximately 85 combat aircraft committed to Ukraine to enhance its battlefield capabilities. This announcement aims to bolster Ukraine’s military and disrupt Russian glide bomb attacks on frontline positions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been advocating for Western jets for over 18 months to supplement Ukraine’s dwindling Soviet-era air force, which has struggled against Russia’s superior air capabilities. Zelensky expressed gratitude to Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United States for their support and indicated that he hopes to increase the number of F-16s to a target of 130.
Norway and Belgium have also committed to supplying F-16s in the future, and Zelensky anticipates further contributions from other countries to enhance Ukraine’s air force capability coalition.
While the effectiveness of the F-16s, designed in the 1970s, in the current conflict remains questionable, their deployment is seen as a significant step in Ukraine’s defense strategy. Ensuring the jets are well-concealed and protected on the ground will be crucial, especially as Ukraine’s air defenses are already under strain. Recently, Russia claimed to have destroyed five Ukrainian Su-27 jets in an attack on an airbase, highlighting the vulnerability of aircraft on the ground.
In addition to the F-16s, US President Joe Biden announced that NATO members would supply four Patriot anti-missile batteries, with Italy providing a similar SAMP/T system to protect Ukrainian airbases. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed the transfer of F-16 jets from Denmark and the Netherlands.
