Momentum picks up for transfer of F16s to Ukraine !

Following persistent requests from Ukraine and mounting pressure from its allies, the United States has finally yielded and will assist Kyiv in procuring F-16 fighter jets to modernize its air force.

President Joe Biden made the significant announcement following the G7 meeting in Japan on May 19. In a notable shift from his previous position, Biden expressed his commitment to assisting Ukraine in acquiring modern fourth-generation Western fighter jets. Among the potential options, the F-16 has consistently been considered a leading contender for several reasons.

Biden told reporters,
“The United States together with our allies and partners are going to begin training Ukrainian pilots on fourth-generation fighter aircraft, including F-16s, to strengthen Ukraine’s Air Force as part of a long-term commitment to Ukraine’s ability to defend itself.” Biden added that he had received “a flat assurance from [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelensky that they will not use it to go on and move into Russian geographic territory.”