Thumpalumpacus
Major
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The United States has given its approval for the Netherlands and Denmark to deliver F-16s to Ukraine, officials in Washington and Europe said Friday, in a major gain for Kyiv even though the fighter jets won't have an impact any time soon on the almost 18-month war.
It was not immediately clear when the first F-16s might enter the conflict but Ukrainian pilots will first have to undertake at least six months' training on the aircraft, according to officials.
[...]
In eastern Ukraine, attack helicopter pilots welcomed the news. They said Russia has a clear advantage in the skies, but the introduction of modern fighter jets could dramatically shift the balance of power Kyiv's way.
[...]
In making the decision on F-16 deliveries, Washington aims to ensure warplanes can be provided to Ukraine as soon as its pilots complete their training, according to a Biden administration official who was not authorized to comment and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.
The official said U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken sent a letter to his Dutch and Danish counterparts earlier this week, offering formal assurance that the U.S. would fast-track approval of all requests from third parties to transfer F-16s to Ukraine.
Ukraine will get F-16 fighter jets from the Dutch and Danes after the U.S. agrees to allow transfers
Officials say the United States has given its approval for the Netherlands and Denmark to deliver F-16s to Ukraine.
apnews.com
It's about goddamned time.
