Kirby: Armed Forces of Ukraine may receive F-16s before the end of the year

21 July, 2023 An F-16 fighter of the Netherlands Air Force at the Royal International Air Tattoo.

2022. Britain. Photo credits: Andy Reeve-Smith

Ukraine may receive Western F-16 fighter jets by the end of this year. John Kirby, US Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council in the White House, made the announcement on Fox News. However, he noted that fighter jets alone were unlikely to be able to significantly change the course of hostilities.

"F-16s will arrive in Ukraine, most likely, by the end of the year. But we do not believe that only the F-16s will be able to change the situation," said the White House official.

John Kirby. Photo credits: US media

At the same time, Kirby emphasizes that the Armed Forces of Ukraine now need more shells for artillery, air defense and armored vehicles.

"What they really need is artillery, ammunition, air defense and armored vehicles, tanks," he said.

F-16 fighters on the runway. Illustrative photo

As Militarnyi previously reported, a coalition of 11 countries will start training Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets in August. The following countries have agreed to start training Ukrainians: Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, and the UK.

These countries signed a memorandum defining the exercises conditions.

F-16 fighter jets. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of the Netherlands

Ukrainian pilots, technicians, and support staff will take part in the training program. Denmark and the Netherlands are leading the international coalition's efforts to train pilots and support personnel, maintain aircraft, and supply F-16s to Ukraine.

Also, the US will allow European countries to train Ukrainians on F-16 fighter jets. It is currently unknown when exactly the Ukrainian Air Force will receive Western fighter jets. Earlier this month, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that F-16s could appear in Ukrainian skies in the first quarter of 2024.

However, the terms of their receipt may change.

Myrhorod, Safe Sky 2011 exercise. American F-16 and Ukrainian Su-27 fighters.

2011. Ukraine.

Photo credits: poltava.to

A few days ago, Yuriy Ihnat, Speaker of the Air Force of Ukraine announced that the first group of Ukrainian pilots was ready for training on the F-16 fighter jets.