Spain has no F-16s for Ukraine, says Spain’s Defense Minister
F-16 fighter jets (Photo:REUTERS/Lukasz Glowala)
Spain is unable to participate in the “fighter jet coalition” to send F-16s to Ukraine due to the absence of the aircraft, said Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles, as reported by Spain’s TeleMadrid on May 23.
“We offer absolute and full support within our capabilities to Ukraine. Regarding fighter aircraft, we stand in solidarity with other nations, but specifically, Spain does not possess F-16s,” stated Robles.
Spain has been providing tanks, other weaponry, and conducting training for Ukrainian military forces, she reminded.
The UK, USA, Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark have agreed to participate in the training of Ukrainian pilots on Western fighter jets, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced on May 19, saying that the UK can begin training this summer.
Portugal has also said it can train Ukrainian pilots on F-16s.
Previously, U.S. news channel CNN reported that U.S. President Joe Biden supported the decision for joint training.
The White House stated that in the coming months, allies will work together to determine when, who, and how many aircraft will be transferred to Ukraine. However, the provision of fighter jets is contingent upon Ukraine not utilizing them for strikes on Russian territory.
Earlier, Yuriy Sak, an advisor to the Ukrainian defense minister, said that Kyiv expects to receive F-16 fighter jets this fall.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has acknowledged that he could not specify the number and timing of the fighter jets to be transferred but mentioned his intention to expedite their delivery.
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