A new batch of F-16 fighters is being prepared for delivery to Ukraine. About this stated NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe and the head of US European Command, US Army General Christopher Cavoli, during a hearing before the US Senate Armed Services Committee.
According to him, in addition to the aircraft that have already been handed over, the preparation of an even larger number of F-16s is underway, and the training program for Ukrainian pilots is being expanded in parallel.
“There are even more F-16s ready to deploy there. There are even more pilots in training.”, — noted Cavoli.
The general also reported that the Ukrainian military already uses F-16s to protect airspace — in particular, to intercept Russian missiles and carry out offensive strikes.
At the same time, he specified that none of the transferred fighters came directly from the United States:
“However, none of the F-16s were from the US. They were mostly from Northern Europe, the Netherlands and Denmark.”
It will be recalled that Belgium postponed the transfer of F-16 fighters to Ukraine until 2026 due to delays in the delivery of F-35 aircraft. Prime Minister Bart de Wever assured that the country will continue to stand by Ukraine and provide support.
