Ukraine may receive fighter jets from NATO countries for the first time. NATO is considering the transfer of Soviet MiG-29 and more modern F-16 fighters to Ukraine.
Retired US Navy Admiral James Stavridis reported this information in a column for Bloomberg. According to him, leaders in NATO countries decided to consider again providing Ukraine with fighter jets.
Without NATO’s help, the air fight will continue in favor of Russia
NATO leaders are reconsidering an idea they rejected in the early days of the war to provide Ukraine with aircraft.
Stavridis is now discussing providing the Ukrainian Armed Forces with either Soviet-era MiG-29 fighters or surplus American F-16s, which are easy-to-learn multi-role fighters.
The author of the column emphasizes that without NATO’s help, the air war will continue in favor of Russia.
“With the ground war in Ukraine’s favor and the brutal air war in Russia’s favor, the best option for the West is to significantly increase its air war assistance to Ukraine in the conflict”, – said James Stavridis.
In his view, giving Ukraine more tools to close its skies could be the key to finally getting the Russians to start negotiations.
Ukraine asks for planes to defend against Russian missile attacks
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has asked its allies for modern aircraft to defend itself against Russian missile attacks. So far, Ukraine has not received the planes, as the partners are afraid to provoke Russia.
Poland was ready to give free MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine. But, according to media reports, Poland’s decision was influenced by China, which put pressure on the United States.
Ukraine has already selected a group of pilots ready to learn to pilot modern fighters. The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said it is now up to the partners.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said he is optimistic that Ukraine will receive F-16 and F-15 fighters. Reznikov noted that there is a chance that Ukrainian pilots will start mastering the modern generation of aircraft.
