F-16 jets on the way to Ukraine from Denmark and the Netherlands
- The US-built aircraft will be flying over Ukrainian skies this summer, as Kyiv seeks to bolster its air defences against Russian attacks
The first batch of US-built F-16 fighter planes are already being transferred to Ukraine from Denmark and the Netherlands and will be flying over Ukrainian skies this summer, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday.
Blinken, speaking at an event on the sidelines of the Nato summit in Washington, said a robust package for Ukraine will be unveiled over the next couple of days that will build a clear and strong bridge for Ukraine’s Nato membership.
“I’m also pleased to announce that as we speak, the transfer of F-16 jets is under way, coming from Denmark, coming from the Netherlands,” Blinken said.
“And those jets … will be flying in the skies of Ukraine this summer to make sure that Ukraine can continue to effectively defend itself against the Russian aggression.”
Reinforcing air defences has been crucial for Ukraine as it fights a Russian invasion. Moscow renewed its aerial assaults on Ukraine’s national power grid in the spring, causing sweeping blackouts.
F-16s have been on Ukraine’s wish list for a long time because of their destructive power and global availability. The aircraft is equipped with a 20mm cannon and can carry bombs, rockets and missiles.
