After months of diplomatic pressure to supply Ukrainian forces with advanced fighter jets, European governments have agreed to supply F-16 aircraft to the Ukrainian air force.
The deal, under which Denmark and the Netherlands will provide Ukraine with about 40 of their F-16 fighters, has taken lengthy negotiations as the US was initially reluctant to give permission, something that was needed under the terms of the aircraft’s original sale to the European countries.
Despite the political agreements to supply Ukraine with these aircraft, significant challenges still remain before these fighters can be used in action in Ukraine – probably not until early 2024. The training of Ukrainian pilots on the F-16 began in earnest in August and will take several months. Meanwhile, changes to Ukraine’s military doctrine and operational principles and procedures will be needed.
