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NATO partner nations have confirmed the transfer of F-16 fighter jets is currently underway to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
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The transfer process for the American-made donated F-16s is now underway and Ukraine will be flying operational F-16s this summer, according to a joint statement published by US President Joseph R. Biden, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
“We, the co-leaders of the Air Force Capability Coalition for Ukraine, have been working to provide operational F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine,” the joint statement said.
“The Danish and Dutch governments are in the process of donating American-made F-16s to Ukraine, with the support of the United States.
“We are unable to provide additional details at this time due to operational security concerns.
“We are grateful to Belgium and Norway for committing to provide further aircraft, and to the other members of the Air Force Capability Coalition for their support.
“We will continue to coordinate jointly in support of Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russian aggression.”
It’s understood that the newly acquired fighter jet aircraft are expected to enhance Ukraine’s air capabilities with the inclusion of squadrons of modern fourth-generation F-16 multi-role aircraft.
NATO countries have also announced their commitment to sustainment, armament, and associated training for the aircraft.
In a separate joint statement announced ahead of the NATO meeting this week, the governments of the United States and Germany declared that the United States would begin episodic deployments of the long-range fires capabilities of its Multi-Domain Task Force in Germany in 2026, as part of planning for enduring stationing of these capabilities in the future.
“When fully developed, these conventional long-range fires units will include SM-6, Tomahawk, and developmental hypersonic weapons, which have significantly longer range than current land-based fires in Europe,” according to the joint statement.
“Exercising these advanced capabilities will demonstrate the United States’ commitment to NATO and its contributions to European integrated deterrence.”
