US greenlights F-16 fighter jet transfers to Ukraine from Denmark, Netherlands amid Russia conflict

In a significant move amplifying the dynamics of the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war, the United States has sanctioned the dispatch of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine from allies Denmark and the Netherlands. This development was confirmed on Thursday by a US official and reported by Reuters. The deployment is set to commence as soon as pilot training is finalized.

Reinforcing the move, Secretary of State Antony Blinken communicated to his Danish and Dutch equivalents in letters that the US would expedite F-16 transfer requests to Ukraine once pilot training wraps up. These letters surfaced amidst requests from Denmark and the Netherlands, both seeking US confirmation for the said transfers, given the necessity of US approval for such military equipment transfers from its allies to Ukraine.

Expressing the US stance, Blinken wrote, “The United States’ wholeheartedly supports both the F-16 fighter aircraft transfer to Ukraine and the subsequent training of Ukrainian pilots by adept F-16 instructors.” He further emphasized the urgency, stating, “In light of the continual Russian aggression and infringement of its sovereignty, it’s imperative for Ukraine to fortify its defenses.”

US approves transfers of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine from Denmark, Netherlands amid Russia conflict. Photo courtesy of Wietze Brandsma from Pixabay.

The approval follows Ukraine’s persistent pursuit of US-manufactured F-16 jets to counterbalance Russian air dominance. Conversely, Russia has voiced concerns over the potential escalation such an advanced aircraft supply might cause. Significantly, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has termed the provision of these jets to Ukraine as a potential “nuclear” menace due to their atomic weapon-bearing capabilities, adding, “This move is perceived as a nuclear threat from the West.”

Meanwhile, in a collaborative defense initiative, Denmark and the Netherlands are gearing up to instruct Ukrainian pilots in operating these US-made aircraft. The training is slated to commence in Denmark this August, as revealed by Denmark’s defense minister, Troels Lund Poulsen.