Ukraine to receive US F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets on condition of non-compliance with strikes on Russian territory

The first fourth-generation F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets will arrive in Ukraine by the end of 2023. The condition for the transfer of the aircraft is Ukraine's commitment not to launch strikes on the territory of the Russian Federation.

Here's What We Know

The Ukrainian Air Force should use the received F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters only on its own territory. This was stated by Danish Defence Minister Jakob Ellemann-Jensen.

Western countries are handing over the weapons on condition that they will be used to dislodge Russian troops from the territory of Ukraine. This applies not only to fighter jets, but also to tanks, missiles, multiple rocket launchers and anti-aircraft missile systems.

So far, we are only talking about the aircraft that Denmark will hand over. But it is safe to assume that the Netherlands will voice a similar condition for F-16 deliveries.

Last Friday, the US approved the delivery of F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters to Ukraine. The day before, President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the Netherlands and announced that Ukraine would receive 42 aircraft. Denmark officially confirmed the delivery of 19 fighter jets. Both countries have the F-16 Block 20 MLU in service.

Source: Kristeligt