Ukraine to receive first F-16 jets after Easter celebrations - UA Air Force
The first F-16 fighter jets could appear in Ukraine’s skies already after Easter, Air Force spokesperson Ilya Yevlash said on Noviny.LIVE broadcast on May 1.
"They can be supplied after Easter," he said, responding the question about the guidelines regarding the terms of F-16 delivery.
“The Air Force cannot guess the exact date – the dates have been changed several times.”
"Our task is to work with what will be provided to us, we are not responsible for the supply directly, this is a matter for the top military and political leadership. When the first fighter jets arrive in Ukraine, we will definitely inform about it," he added.
F-16 fighters’ appearance in Ukrainian skies is expected as soon as possible, Yevlash said in a comment for Ukrainska Pravda.
"’After Easter’ implies rather long term concept. The Air Force, like all Ukrainians, would certainly like to see F-16 multi-role fighters over Ukraine as soon as possible, so we are waiting for them to arrive as soon as possible."
Easter in Ukraine is celebrated on May 5 in 2024.
F-16 fighters for Ukraine
The Netherlands and Denmark promised in August 2023 to jointly provide Ukraine with 61 American F-16 fighter jets. This was preceded by a transfer authorization from the United States.
Norway has also confirmed its intention to supply F-16s. Belgium will also provide Ukraine with F-16s, but in 2025.
The Netherlands announced its decision to begin preparations for the transfer of the first 18 aircraft to Ukraine in December, and later increased this number to 24. In total, the country has promised Kyiv 42 fighters.
The tentative timeline for the delivery of the fighter jets to Ukraine was the first half of 2024.
Foreign Policy reported on Feb. 18, 2024, citing European officials, that the first F-16s would arrive in Ukraine around June 2024. Commenting on this, the then spokesman for the Ukrainian Air Force, Yuriy Ihnat, noted that it was impossible to talk about specific dates for the transfer of F-16s to Ukraine by foreign partners.
The UK government announced on March 22 that the first 10 Ukrainian pilots had completed basic flight, ground, and language training on F-16 fighters in Britain. The military will now move on to advanced flight training provided by the French Air Force.
Western F-16 fighter jets should appear in Ukraine's skies in mid-summer, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on March 27.
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