The Pentagon spokesperson has stated that the United States has received requests from the Netherlands and Denmark to transfer F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. However, the approval of these transfers is contingent upon Ukraine meeting certain criteria, including language training. Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh explained during a briefing that Ukrainian pilots require significant English language training, and this process will take time to complete.
This announcement comes after Politico reported in early August that F-16 training for Ukrainian pilots provided by European countries could be hindered by the language barrier. Out of the initial group of 32 pilots selected to fly the U.S.-designed fighter jets, only eight had sufficient knowledge of English to participate in the program. Thus, language training is deemed essential for the successful transfer of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.
Deputy Press Secretary Singh emphasized that once the criteria, including language training, are fulfilled, the U.S. will be in a position to authorize the transfer. She also confirmed that the U.S. is open to the idea of training Ukrainian airmen to fly the F-16s if the Netherlands and Denmark lack the capacity to teach all the pilots sent by Ukraine at once. However, the decision of how many Ukrainian pilots will receive F-16 training ultimately rests with Ukraine, and the final number has not yet been determined.
Both the Netherlands and Denmark announced on Sunday their intention to provide F-16s to Ukraine, a demand that Kiev has been making for several months in light of the ongoing conflict with Russia. While the Netherlands did not disclose the exact number of F-16s it will donate, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that the entire fleet would be heading to Kiev. Denmark, on the other hand, pledged to provide 19 planes, with six expected to be delivered by the end of the year.
The decision to supply Ukraine with more sophisticated weapons has raised concerns from Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin warned in June that the F-16s, just like previously supplied tanks and fighting vehicles, would “burn” once delivered to Ukraine. Russia perceives the provision of arms, intelligence sharing, and training by Western nations as de facto involvement in the conflict and a potential trigger for further escalation.
Supplies of advanced weaponry to Ukraine have been a sensitive issue, with Russia repeatedly cautioning that such actions could cross its “red lines” and lead to a major escalation of hostilities. Despite these warnings, the Netherlands and Denmark have proceeded with their plans to donate F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, signaling their support for Kiev in its ongoing struggle with Russia.
In conclusion, while the United States has received requests from the Netherlands and Denmark to transfer F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, the approval of these transfers is contingent upon Ukraine meeting certain criteria, including language training for pilots. Once these requirements are fulfilled, the U.S. will be able to authorize the transfer. The donation of F-16s by the Netherlands and Denmark to Ukraine reflects their support for Kiev in its conflict with Russia, despite warnings from Moscow about potential escalation.
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