US signals to allies it won’t block their export of F-16 jets to Ukraine

'US lawmakers and congressional staffers have joined in the F-16 lobbying campaign, urging the administration to provide the jets so that Ukraine can establish control over its skies.'

'(CNN) - The Biden administration has signaled to European allies in recent weeks that the US would allow them to export F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, sources familiar with the discussions said, as the White House comes under increasing pressure from members of Congress and allies to help Ukraine procure the planes amid intensifying Russian aerial attacks.

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US lawmakers and congressional staffers have joined in the F-16 lobbying campaign, urging the administration to provide the jets so that Ukraine can establish control over its skies.

“As a bipartisan group of lawmakers, we view the transfer of F-16 fighter aircraft to Ukraine as essential for providing Kyiv with the air support capability required to fully defend their nation against Russia’s unprovoked, illegal, and brutal invasion, and to make the territorial gains necessary to reclaim their country,” a group of Republican and Democratic lawmakers wrote in a letter to President Joe Biden on Wednesday that was obtained by CNN.

The issue is expected to be a subject of debate at the next NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, in July, officials said.

Another open question is where Ukrainian pilots would train on these F-16s. A spokesperson for UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said earlier this week that the UK and the Netherlands were looking to form an “international coalition” not only to procure the jets for Ukraine but also to train Ukrainian pilots on the 4th generation fighters, which are more advanced than the Ukrainian fighter fleet.'

- US signals to allies it won’t block their export of F-16 jets to Ukraine, May 19, 2023



Context

(The Economist) - The West should supply Ukraine with F-16s

F-16s, longer-range missiles could help Ukraine beat Russia, U.S. general privately tells lawmakers

'Ukraine needs a fresh fleet.. Over 4,600 F-16s have been built since production began..'


'..Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a violation of the UN Charter as well as international law.'

(Putin's War) - 'Putin’s plans for a subjugated Ukraine..'

(Putin's War) - 'What are Ukraine's borders? .. they’re internationally recognized and defined in 1991.' - Navalny


(The Myth of Multipolarity) - 'Any proposal to use U.S. military force outside Asia and Europe should be deeply interrogated..'