War in Ukraine: F-16s sent and what we know

Volodymyr Zelensky declared on Sunday, August 4, that he had acquired the F-16 fighter fighters he requested in 2022. Defensive operations are planned for planes with European and American pilots. Their number is insufficient for the Ukrainian president. This is all we know about Ukraine receiving F-16s.

Ukrainian skies are clearing. As requested in 2022, American-made F-16 Fighting Falcon combat jets are being deployed over Ukraine. On August 4, 2024, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the first delivery of Western aircraft. This news is crucial as Russia pushes in eastern Ukraine. The arrival of this renowned aircraft in the Ukraine war is explained here.

Defense mission

Their role and efficacy? AFP notes that their quantity, availability, and munitions will determine this. Despite their tiny numbers, these planes will be deployed. Especially for anti-aircraft defense. F-16s can intercept missiles, drones, and fight Russian aircraft. A major advantage given Ukraine also lacks an anti-aircraft defense system and wants more and faster deliveries from the West.

F-16s should also defend Ukrainian sites against Russian attacks. Their usefulness in Ukrainian skies is unproven. According to Royal United Services Institutes defense and security expert Justin Bronk, the F-16s “will not bring major changes in Ukraine’s ability to regain ground.”

European and American pilots trained

Fighter jet piloting needs competence. Ukrainian pilots had trained for months to fly F-16s.

In Europe, this training included three stages. Initial piloting training was in the UK. The Ukrainians then trained on French Air Force Alpha Jets in France. Gironde has hosted two pilot groups, and a third is expected this summer. Last stop was Denmark, where they boarded the renowned F-16s for the first time.

Other pilots were trained in the US. In late May, Arizona National Guard spokeswoman Capt. Erin Hannigan claimed “the first group of pilots has graduated and other Ukrainian pilots will complete their training by the end of August.” On August 4, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said “a lot of our guys are being trained.”

One too few

Ukraine is happy at this initial delivery, but its president is not naive. Volodymyr Zelensky calls the aircraft received “insufficient”. But more are coming. “What is positive is that we are expecting additional F-16s” , he said. But how many?

The Economist reports that Ukraine has gotten “10 out of 79” promised F-16s. However, this figure is a promise. Belgium has pledged 30. A wonderful present, however only the first will arrive “this year” and the others in 2028. Other countries promising these planes are Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands.

The number and country of planes received have not been disclosed. Yet more are predicted in the coming weeks or months. The Danish Ministry of Defense said “the donation should take place in the second quarter of 2024.” In a mid-May AFP interview, President Zelensky claimed he needs 120 to 130 of these aircraft to match the Russian air force.

Service for decades

It’s not like F-16s are new. However, they proved themselves. They were operational in 1978. After after, these fighter jets saw Kuwait, Iraq, the former Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Libya… And now, Ukraine. Possibly obsolete? Far from it. On May 20, 2023, aeronautics and defense consultant Xavier Tytelman told Le Figaro, “there is a modernization kit that allows old aircraft to be easily transformed.”

Other countries with pressing requirements will buy these planes besides Ukraine. Mid-April saw Argentina buy 24 Danish F-16s for 300 million euros. Despite their age, they are still produced. Thus, over 4,000 have been produced since the first plane departed the facility. Flight Global, an aviation magazine, reported more than 2,000 F-16s in service in 2023. The availability is high.

The US hesitates

Washington will not pre-deliver fighter planes to Ukraine. This required convincing the US to approve such supplies. Because the US army uses this plane. Thus, the American State Department decides whether F-16-equipped nations can sell them to Ukraine. To safeguard American military technologies.

After months of discussions with Ukraine, US President Joe Biden approved in May 2023. A decision the country called “historic” and hailed.

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