Ukraine is making progress in its efforts to secure fighter jets from the West, with U.S.-built F-16s flown by several NATO nations in particular focus. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has received pledges from British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Dutch PM Mark Rutte to help build a “jets coalition”.
Washington has ruled out sending F-16s to Ukraine for now, but Poland and Slovakia have handed over 27 MiG-29s to supplement Ukraine’s current fleet. Rutte said the Netherlands is working with allies including Britain, Belgium and Denmark to reach a conclusion on whether to send jets to Ukraine.
The Czech Republic has mentioned that it could give some of its light, sub-sonic L-159s, while Sweden has repeatedly said there are no plans to send Gripens to Ukraine. France has said it is open to training Ukrainian pilots in France right away.
U.S. officials have estimated the most expeditious time needed for training and delivery of F-16s at 18 months. London has agreed to start training pilots in the spring and said it will look at shortening the sessions for experienced Ukrainian pilots.
Ultimately, the type of fighter jet Ukraine receives will depend on the willingness of the West to provide them, and the suitability of the model for Ukraine’s needs.