US President Joe Biden authorizes Western allies to send American-made advanced fighter jets F-16 to Ukraine and to train Ukrainian pilots. According to a White House leader, Joe Biden assured his “support for a joint initiative to train Ukrainian pilots on fourth-generation combat aircraft, including F-16s.” He added: “As the training unfolds over the next few months, our coalition of nations participating in this effort will decide when to provide aircraft, how many, and who will provide them.”
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, in Hiroshima, Japan with Joe Biden for the G7 summit recalled what the US and other Ukraine allies have done to help Ukraine. He said: “Over the past few months, we and our allies and partners have really focussed on providing Ukraine with the systems weapon and training it needs to conduct offensive operations this spring and summer. […] We have delivered what we promised.” Furthermore, Sullivan talked about what comes next regarding the help that will be provided to the Ukraine Air Force: “Now we have turned to discussions about improving the Ukrainian air force as part of our long-term commitment to Ukraine's self-defense.” He added: “As the training unfolds in the coming months, we will work with our allies to determine when planes will be delivered, who will be delivering them, and how many.”
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has reacted to Joe Biden’s decision on Twitter by saying that the fighter jet F-16 would “greatly enhance our army in the sky.” He added: “I count on discussing the practical implementation of this decision at the G7 summit in Hiroshima.” Joe Biden’s decision is a “historic decision”, according to Zelensky. Zelensky would arrive in Hiroshima on Sunday and join the other leaders.
Furthermore, on Friday, May 19, Danish interim Minister of Defense, Troels Lund Poulsen said that Denmark will help to form Ukrainian pilots on American-made advanced F-16 fighter jets. Poulsen said: “Denmark will make every effort to make this a priority contribution. […] We will now agree on more details with our close allies.” Danish air force disposes of around 40 F-16 with around 30 ready to use. Moreover, the F-16 advanced fighter jets are part of Denmark's air force and also of the Netherlands, Poland, Belgium, Greece, and Norway’s air forces.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Twitter: “The UK will work together with the USA and the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark to get Ukraine the combat air capability it needs.” Moreover, the UK doesn’t possess any F-16 fighter jets.
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