The first F-16 fighters will begin arriving in Ukraine in 2014.
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The planes will arrive with trained pilots and maintenance personnel trained in Western countries. United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin made this statement on April 26 before the start of the Ramstein meeting.
The Pentagon chief added that over the past two years, members of the Defense Contact Group have provided Ukraine with more than 70 medium- and long-range air defense systems, as well as thousands of missiles. Ukraine also received from them more than 3 thousand units of armored vehicles, including more than 800 main battle tanks. In addition, the Ukrainian Armed Forces transferred tens of thousands of anti-tank missiles.
Austin also said that during today’s Ramstein meeting, the highest priority will be strengthening Ukrainian air defense systems.
Today we will especially focus on strengthening Ukrainian air defense systems so that Ukraine can truly cover its skies. This is our highest priority today,” he said.
In addition, the minister announced that the United States is providing another package of military assistance to Ukraine worth $1 billion. It will include missiles for HIMARS, shells, air defense systems and other weapons.
Let us remind you that the Danish Ambassador to Ukraine Ole Egberg Mikkelsen said on April 22 that Denmark would give Ukraine all its F-16 fighters. The combat aircraft should arrive this summer.
Source: Racurs
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.