The U.S. is boosting support for Ukraine by arming F-16 fighter jets with American-made missiles and other advanced weaponry as they prepare for combat, The Wall Street Journal reported. The Pentagon has initiated the “Jumpstart” initiative, which allows European countries to pool their resources to purchase necessary air-launched weapons from the U.S., preserving their own defense inventories while bolstering Ukraine’s military capabilities.
Denmark and the Netherlands are scheduled to deliver the first batch of these American-made jets this summer. Belgium and Norway expected to follow shortly after.
However, supplying and deploying these jets is only the beginning. A significant challenge remains in training Ukrainian pilots to operate the F-16s and maintaining the jets in a combat-ready state. With the ongoing need for experienced pilots at the frontlines, the extensive training required poses a problem.
Pilot training demands a year-long commitment, starting with four months of intensive English lessons in Britain to master key aviation terminology, followed by hands-on aircraft training.
It remains uncertain how Ukraine will use the F-16 fighter jets against Russian forces. Although Washington restricts the use of these weapons within Russian territory, recommending their use for close-air support to combat ground threats at the frontlines, European officials argue the jets could significantly enhance air defense by pushing back the Russian air force, which frequently launches glide bombs with devastating effects.
