"US Approves Provision of F-16 Fighter Jets to Ukraine"

Major foreign media reported on the 17th (local time) that the United States has approved the provision of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to foreign media citing U.S. officials, the United States has conveyed to Denmark and the Netherlands that it will promptly approve their requests to deliver F-16 fighter jets.

According to the reports, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken sent letters in response to the countries' requests for confirmation, stating, "The United States fully supports the transfer of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine."

Accordingly, Ukraine will be able to receive F-16 fighter jets when its pilots complete their training.

Previously, President Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukrainian authorities repeatedly requested the West for the modern fighter jets, F-16s, as a necessity. However, Western countries refrained from making explicit commitments to provide F-16s due to concerns about escalating conflict between Russia and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). U.S. President Joe Biden only opened the possibility of providing F-16s by approving training for Ukrainian pilots at the G7 summit in May.

With the U.S. decision to approve the provision of F-16 fighter jets, Ukraine can now launch counterattacks against Russia. However, it is expected to be difficult for Ukraine to receive F-16s within this year. Additionally, since F-16 training takes more than six months, even if the jets are delivered, actual operation is expected to be possible only next year.

Yurii Ihnat, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force, appeared on local broadcast the day before and said, "It has become clear that we will not be able to defend Ukraine with F-16s this fall or winter," adding, "One progress is that Ukrainian pilots and technicians will soon be able to start training on the F-16."