“F-16 Fighter Jets Delayed, but Ukraine Secures Commitments from Europe”
by [Author]
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine embarked on a European tour last week to secure commitments for F-16 fighter jets in an effort to bolster his country’s defense capabilities. Despite the jets not being delivered until next year, Zelensky’s diplomatic efforts were met with promises from several countries to either donate the jets or provide training for pilots and support crew.
During his tour, Zelensky expressed his gratitude to Denmark, Greece, Norway, and other countries for their support in helping Ukraine become “invincible.” He successfully secured promises for potentially more than 60 F-16s, which he believes will make a significant difference in Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia.
However, critics argue that the focus on acquiring F-16s may be misplaced. Ukrainian defense officials have acknowledged that the jets are unlikely to see combat until next spring, and even then, only a few pilots who are fluent in English will be able to fly them. They argue that tanks, ammunition, and well-trained ground troops are more crucial in the current ground war.
Nevertheless, Zelensky’s determination to secure the fighter jets stems from both military and political considerations. With the upcoming elections in Europe and the United States, he hopes to lock in commitments from governments before any potential change in leadership. There is concern that support for aid to Ukraine could wane, particularly among Republicans in the US.
The Biden administration has not yet committed to sending F-16s from its own fleet, but it plans to train Ukrainian pilots in Texas and Arizona starting in September. However, the training process could take several months, and language barriers pose an additional challenge as the jets’ manuals and communication systems are in English.
Another potential obstacle to delivering the F-16s is the need for approval from the United States before other countries can send American-made jets to Ukraine. While the Biden administration has granted permission to Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands, a future president could reverse these agreements if delivery has not yet been completed.
Despite these challenges, Zelensky remains resolute in his pursuit of the F-16s. He views their presence in Ukrainian skies as a means to ensure victory against Russian forces and solidify Ukraine’s status as a NATO-caliber fleet. Whether the fighter jets will provide the desired impact on the ongoing conflict remains to be seen, but for now, Zelensky continues his efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s military capabilities.