NATO Nations Providing Air Power

The transfer of F-16 Fighting Falcon multi-role fighter aircraft to Ukraine has begun, with the Netherlands and Denmark sending the fighters as they upgrade their own air forces to the F-35. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the move at the NATO Public Forum in Washington, D.C., on July 10, although he didn’t say how many of the aircraft are in the initial group.

A joint statement issued by Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, and President Joe Biden stated the nations are committed to “further enhancing Ukraine’s air capabilities, which will include squadrons of modern fourth-generation F-16 multi-role aircraft.” A squadron typically contains 12 to 24 aircraft, and the Netherlands and Denmark have said they plan to deliver as many as 24 and 19 F-16s, respectively, which is in line with the NATO statement. Belgium and Norway have also pledged to send F-16s to Ukraine, with the first of 30 Belgian aircraft to arrive by the end of 2024 along with the first of 6 promised by Norway.

Although the timing of delivery for all the pledged F-16s from the NATO countries is staggered and uncertain due to their internal plans for replacing F-16s with F-35s, if all aircraft are delivered, Ukraine could eventually have as many as 60 of the fighter jets. The timing is also contingent upon the progress in training the Ukrainian pilots and maintainers. It is also unclear at this time whether munitions are included in the transfer and how they would be permitted to be used. The United States has said Ukraine is prohibited from using U.S. weapons on Russian territory.

The joint U.S.-Netherlands-Denmark statement said, “The coalition intends to support their sustainment and armament, as well as further associated training for pilots to enhance operational effectiveness.”

FMI:  www.defense.gov