US approves sending F-16s to Ukraine, but training timeline at question

Reuters, citing a US official, says that the United States has ultimately agreed to send Danish-designed F-16 multirole fighters to Ukraine upon the completion of Ukrainian pilot training, defense Express reports.

The timing of pilot training remains pivotal for the F-16 transfer to Ukraine. A copy of a letter from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to counterparts in Denmark and the Netherlands confirms their approval of the request.

"I am writing to express the United States' full support for both the transfer of F-16 fighter aircraft to Ukraine and for the training of Ukrainian pilots by qualified F-16 instructors," Blinken said in his letter.

The approval of the F-16 transfer request will enable the "full advantage of its new capabilities as soon as the first set of pilots complete their training."

As a reminder, Denmark and the Netherlands lead the "fighter jet coalition" for Ukraine, established in early July. Both countries are the primary donors of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.

Nonetheless, the aircraft transfer timing hinges on pilot training schedules, which, unfortunately, are not very optimistic. The initial group of six pilots and two reserves is expected to conclude training by summer 2024, followed by the second group of the same size by year-end.