The first shipment of F-16 aircraft is already on its way to Ukraine from Denmark and the Netherlands and the aircraft will fly in Ukrainian skies this summer, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday.
Speaking at an event on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Washington, Blinken said that a strong aid package for Ukraine will be presented in the coming days that will build a clear and strong bridge to NATO membership.
“I am pleased to also announce that as we speak, the transfer of F-16 aircraft from Denmark and the Netherlands is taking place,” he said.
“And those aircraft … will be flying over Ukrainian skies this summer to ensure that Ukraine can continue to defend itself effectively against Russian aggression.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said last week that he wants to double the capacity of Ukrainian air defense during the summer and that he needs at least seven more Patriot air defense systems.
NATO member states have announced that they will send five additional Patriot systems and other air defense systems to Ukraine. At this summit in Washington, marking the 75th year of the alliance, he is expected to pledge more aid.
In a joint statement by the leaders of the USA, Denmark and the Netherlands, it is stated that the Danish and Dutch governments are in the process of donating F-16 aircraft to Ukraine, with the support of the USA.
“We are grateful to Belgium and Norway for pledging additional aircraft and to other members of the Air Force Coalition for their support,” the statement said.
