The situation in Ukraine remains dynamic and complex, with discussions on military aid continuing to evolve, the Pentagon has provided key assessments regarding the provision of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.
Colin Kahl, the Pentagon’s top policy official, has laid out a detailed timeline and set of priorities for potential military support, focusing on Ukraine’s current defensive needs and logistical realities.
Kahl informed the House Armed Services Committee that while the notion of supplying Ukraine with F-16s has been a matter of public interest, such aircraft are not among the top three military requests from Kyiv.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Joe Biden recently discussed the issue.
Ukraine’s immediate priorities are air defense systems, the survival of their interceptors against various threats, and artillery and armored systems.
The Pentagon’s assessment indicates that the process of delivering F-16s to Ukraine.
Alongside the necessary training for Ukrainian personnel, would take approximately 18 months for older versions of the jets, and potentially three to six years for new models.
Kahl underscored the significant investments involved, with costs ranging from $2 billion to $11 billion depending on the numbers and conditions of the aircraft.
Kalh said what the Ukrainians have asked for is a mix of 128 U.S.-made aircraft, including F-15s, F-16s, and F/A-18s.
The U.S. Air Force believes that, over the long term, Ukraine would need 50 to 80 F-16s to replace its existing air force.
President Biden, during an exclusive interview, made it clear that for the time being, F-16s are not deemed necessary by the US military for Ukraine’s defense.
Biden stated, “I am ruling it out for now,” while not dismissing the possibility that future defense needs could alter this stance.
Despite the current US position, Dutch Defence Minister Keesa Ollongren has announced that Ukraine will receive the first Western F-16 fighter jets in the summer of 2024. Initially, Kyiv will receive Danish aircraft.
“Starting this summer, we are ready to provide real capabilities, first we will start sending Danish F-16s, followed by Dutch F-16. Of course, preparation is also needed on the Ukrainian side, the infrastructure must be prepared, and technical capabilities, from spare parts to ammunition, must be ensured,” she said.
This aligns with previous statements from other European countries like Belgium and affirmations from Pentagon Chief Austin regarding the delivery and training timeline for the jets.
Relevant articles:
– Getting F-16s to Ukraine with training could take up to 18 months, Pentagon says , Yahoo Movies Canada, 05/10/2024
– Pentagon not adjusting force posture as Russia announces nuclear strike drills, Stars and Stripes, 05/07/2024
– Ukraine will start receiving F-16s this summer. Denmark will send first ones – Dutch Defence Minister Ollongren, UAZMI – Ukraine News, 05/08/2024