U.S. President Biden changed his position to allow Ukraine pilots to receive training from F-16 fighters, and plans to approve other countries to transfer the US-made F-16 fighter to Ukraine.
This is a great support for Kiev, which seeks to enhance air defense capabilities, and will significantly enhance the combat effectiveness of Ukraine.
Comprehensive Reuters and Bloomberg reported that at the Seven Kingdoms Group (G7) summit held in Hiroshima, Japan on Friday (May 19), this decision told other G7 leaders.
U.S. officials said that the F-16 fighter joint training plan will be launched within a few weeks and is conducted at European locations outside Ukraine. The fastest time for training and delivery of the F-16 fighter is 18 months.
One of the officials said: "The national alliance participating in this plan will decide when to provide a fighter, how many shelves will be provided, and who will provide it."
Although the official did not explain which countries will participate, British Prime Minister Sunak said that Britain will cooperate with the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark to "let Ukraine get the air combat capabilities it needed."
The Danish Department of Defense announced the decision after Biden announced that it had provided F-16 fighters for Ukraine pilots to be prepared for training.
Denmark is one of NATO member states.
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, some US Congress has been urging the government to help Ukraine to strengthen air defense capabilities, including providing fighters and other forms of air support. But when the F-16 fighter was involved, the government rejected the request and said training.Ukraine pilots need time, and it takes longer for delivery.
The United States is also worried that providing F-16 fighters will occupy the Ukrainian military aid funds that have spent many Congress.Biden is also worried that providing F-16 fighters may be regarded as provocative or upgrade war.
