US, allies announce start of F-16 fighter jet shipments to Ukraine

F-16 fighter jets have begun to be sent to Ukraine, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on Wednesday (10).

“I am also pleased to announce that as we speak, the transfer of F-16s is underway from Denmark, from the Netherlands,” Blinken said.

“These jets will fly in the skies over Ukraine this summer to ensure that Ukraine can continue to defend itself effectively against Russian aggression,” the diplomat said at the NATO Public Forum in Washington, DC.

A joint statement from US President Joe Biden, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen confirmed the news.

“The Danish and Dutch governments are in the process of donating American-made F-16s to Ukraine, with the support of the United States,” the statement said.

“The process of transferring these F-16s is ongoing, and Ukraine will fly operational F-16s this summer. We cannot provide additional details at this time due to operational safety concerns,” he said.

Other aircraft will be sent from Belgium and Norway, they added.

Crucial equipment for Ukraine

The Ukrainian government has long been asking for F-16 fighter jets to help in the fight against Russia. The first group of Ukrainian pilots trained in the fighter jets graduated earlier this year.

Last year, the US gave the green light for European countries to train Ukrainians on the jets.

This information comes after an announcement by Biden on Tuesday (9) night about a new air defense package for Ukraine, including Patriot batteries.