World
US approves sending F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine
The US States Department officials confirm the consent for sending F-16 jets after the pilot training is completed.
Washington: A revelation from an American official unveils that the United States has shown consent for sending F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine from Denmark and the Netherlands after completing pilot training.
Ukraine had been actively pursuing the acquisition of American-made F-16 fighter jets to counter Russian air superiority.
The American official stated that Washington has assured Denmark and the Netherlands that upon completion of pilot training, the United States will expedite the approval of requests for transferring F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.
Denmark and the Netherlands recently submitted requests for this purpose, as any military aircraft transfer to Ukraine requires American approval through allied countries.
A coalition of eleven countries will initiate F-16 fighter jet training for Ukrainian pilots at the end of this month in Denmark.
The NATO member country, Denmark, along with the Netherlands, aims to lead international efforts in training pilots, and maintenance staff, and overseeing aircraft operations to equip Ukraine with F-16s for potential use in conflict with Russia.
Denmark's Acting Minister of Defense, Truels Poulson, stated in July that the country hopes to see "results" from the training in early 2024.
An American official mentioned that Secretary of State Antony Blinken has corresponded with his Danish and Dutch counterparts, expressing confidence that the requests will be approved.