Germany will not lead fighter jet coalition ‘as it lacks expertise’
Germany has no F-16 fighter jets in service, therefore it can't participate in the "fighter jets for Ukraine coalition," German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said on June 24.
“We have been the experts for tank deliveries, tank technology, for air defence, which are still of enormous importance,” Pistorius said in his speech to delegates of a party conference of the SPD in Lower Saxony in Aurich.
But Germany won't lead in the aircraft issue, Pistorius said.
“Quick help cannot be reached in the next few weeks because training has to take place. The repairs and logistics have to be prepared,” he said, emphasizing the importance of having realistic expectations.
The German Armed Forces or Bundeswehr currently deploy Eurofighters and Tornado fighter aircraft, which are not supposed to be provided to Ukraine. That's the main reason why Germany will stand aside the coalition, Pistorius said.
Meanwhile, the German military training program for Ukraine is in full swing as almost 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers will undergo it by the end of the year.
“No other country in the world has trained as much,” the minister said.
F-16s for Ukraine: What is known
The Netherlands and Denmark will lead the training program of the European “fighter jets for Ukraine” coalition, as stated at the Ramstein defence ministers meeting on May 25.
The United States has announced that in the upcoming months, Ukraine’s military allies will collaborate to determine the timing, participants, and number of aircraft to be transferred to Ukraine. However, the delivery of fighter jets will be contingent upon Ukraine's commitment to refrain from employing them in strikes on Russian territory.
Eight European countries have already joined the “fighter coalition” supporting Ukraine, with the Netherlands and Denmark leading the collaborative effort.
The Dutch government wants to launch training at Skrydstrup military base hosting these fighter jets.
Ukraine's Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov wishes that Santa will bring him "at least one F-16 was in the air before the New Year," although it's more realistic to expect them not earlier than 2024.
Politico reported that Romania is being considered as a possible location for Ukrainian pilots training in F-16 fighter jets.
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