As the conflict between Ukraine and Russia persists, the United States has authorized the transfer of 65 F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets from Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands to Ukraine. The US House of Representatives’ Foreign Affairs Committee evaluated the notifications in February, signaling a significant shift in military support for Kyiv.
Denmark will provide six F-16 Block 10 and thirteen F-16 Block 15 aircraft along with additional engines and support equipment, valued at approximately USD 87.5 million. The Danish government, a proponent of supplying F-16s to Ukraine, has also been involved in training Ukrainian pilots and technical personnel. Previously, Denmark agreed to a letter of intent with Argentina for the purchase of 24 F-16A/B MLU aircraft, as it transitions to the more advanced F-35A Lightning II fighters.
Norway’s contribution includes up to 22 F-16 Block 10/15 aircraft and supplementary materials akin to those from Denmark, totaling around USD 1.326 billion in original acquisition value. Like Denmark, Norway has provided aircraft for Ukrainian crew training and formed a group of instructors to support the Danish training effort.
The Netherlands, another strong advocate for the transfer of F-16s to Ukraine, initially planned to send 18 fighters, but later expanded the number to 24 after canceling the sale to Draken. The Dutch Ministry of Defense has further demonstrated its commitment by announcing the purchase of air-to-air missiles for the F-16s destined for Ukraine, an initiative valued at USD 150 million.
This development follows a period of hesitation from Washington. Nevertheless, the United States has restricted its role to training Ukrainian personnel, steering clear of direct involvement in the aircraft delivery. Simultaneously, military experts have specified essential conditions for Ukraine’s procurement of the F-16 aircraft. Ivan Stupak, a former SBU security service officer, stressed on Radio NV the necessity of trained pilots, ground personnel proficient in English and the technical aspects of the aircraft, and suitable airfields to accommodate the jets.
The Netherlands and Denmark jointly promised to supply Ukraine with 61 F-16s in August 2023, with Norway and Belgium also confirming intentions to provide F-16s, albeit Belgium’s commitment set for 2025.
Reports suggest that the first batch of F-16 fighters might arrive in Ukraine around June 2024. Yet, specific dates for the transfer remain undisclosed. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba expressed hopes that Western F-16 fighters would appear in Ukrainian skies by mid-summer.
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