The initial shipment of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine will be carried out by Denmark, making it the first Western nation to provide the advanced aircraft, followed by the Netherlands at a later date, as stated by Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren in an interview with Reuters during her visit to Kiev.
Ollongren expressed her confidence in the delivery of F-16s starting in the summer, with Denmark leading the way and the Netherlands to follow in the latter part of the year, although she did not specify the exact number of jets to be included in the initial deliveries.
The Defense Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by the West in providing Ukraine with the necessary support, particularly due to the obstacles in the US Congress regarding President Joe Biden’s proposed $60 billion aid package for Kiev, with Republican lawmakers pushing for increased focus on US border security measures.
Ollongren has also emphasized the need to increase ammunition production within the EU in response to Ukraine‘s complaints about the lack of munitions. She stressed the importance of being realistic and preparing for a potentially lengthy war. Last year, Western countries formed an international coalition to assist Ukraine in acquiring US-designed F-16s and training its pilots.
The plans included providing Kiev with over 40 aircraft, with Denmark committing to sending 19 jets and the Netherlands initially promising 18 but later increasing the number by six. Norway and Belgium have also pledged their support, with Norway potentially sending five to ten F-16s and Belgium offering an undisclosed number.
However, Ukrainian officials have expressed concerns about the country’s ability to maintain these jets due to infrastructure difficulties. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg acknowledged that while the F-16s would enhance Ukraine’s capabilities, they would not be a definitive solution to change the overall situation on the battlefield.
Russia has cautioned the West that arms shipments to Ukraine will only prolong the conflict without altering the ultimate outcome. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has even stated that the F-16s would be considered “legitimate targets” for the Russian military, increasing the risk of a direct confrontation between Moscow and NATO.
