US Secretary Of State Says Ukraine's F-16 Fighter Jets Will Sky This Summer

President Zelensky stands in front of the F-16 fighter jet. (Source: President.gov.ua)

JAKARTA - Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday that the first batch of US-made F-16 fighter jets had been transferred to Ukraine from Denmark and the Netherlands, soon traveling this summer.

Speaking at an event on the sidelines of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) meeting in Washington DC, Blinken said a strong package for Ukraine to be launched in the next few days would build a clear and strong bridge for Ukraine's membership in NATO.

"I'm also pleased to announce that as we speak, the F-16 jet transfer is underway, coming from Denmark, coming from the Netherlands," Foreign Minister Blinken said.

"And the jets will fly in Ukraine's skies this summer to ensure that Ukraine can continue to defend itself effectively against Russian aggression."

Strengthening air defenses is critical to Ukraine against the Russian invasion. Because Moscow again launched airstrikes against Ukraine's national power grid in the spring, which caused massive power cuts.

The F-16 fighter jet has long been the target of Ukraine, due to its destructive power and availability worldwide. The fighter jet is equipped with a 20-mm cannon, and is capable of carrying various bombs, rockets and missiles with various configurations.

"We are preparing to face modern fighter jets in Ukraine's skies," Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said in a post on X after meeting with his Dutch and Danish counterparts.

Last week, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he wanted to double Ukraine's air defense capacity over the summer, with his country needing at least seven additional Patriot systems to protect itself.

NATO members have announced the delivery of five additional Patriots and other strategic air defense systems to help Ukraine. Another announcement of aid is expected to be delivered at a summit this week in Washington, marking the 75th anniversary of the alliance.

A joint statement from leaders of the United States, Denmark and the Netherlands said the Danish and Dutch governments were in the process of donating the American-made F-16 to Ukraine.

Denmark has committed to donating a total of 19 jets, while the Netherlands has pledged to deliver 24 aircraft. The two countries have become the driving force behind the international coalition to supply the F-16 to Ukraine.

Yesterday, Norway also said it would donate six F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, with deliveries planned to start this year.