Blinken: F-16 jets to Ukraine would require lengthy time.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken: U.S. Support for Ukraine Remains Strong
Secretary of State Antony Blinken reassured the world that the United States’s support for Ukraine in its war against Russia has not wavered. In an engaging interview with CNN’s Fareed Zakaria, Blinken emphasized the consistent support provided by the U.S., whether through financial assistance or equipment to repel Russian forces.
“At every step along the way, in fact, going back before the Russian aggression when we saw the storm rising … we made sure, going back to Labor Day before the war, Christmas before the war, that they started to get in their hands the equipment they would need if the Russians went forward,” Blinken said. “Every step along the way ever since, we’ve worked to try to get them what they need, when they need it.”
Blinken highlighted that it’s not just about providing equipment, but also about training, maintenance, and the ability to use it effectively in combined arms operations. He acknowledged that this process takes time, stating that if a decision were made to move forward with sending F-16 fighter jets tomorrow, it would still take “months and months” before they become operational.
As NATO allies collaborate to arrange the training and transfer of F-16 jets to Ukraine, Blinken’s comments shed light on the timeline. A senior European official revealed that they are aiming to send the fighter jets sometime during the fall.
Allies Joining Forces to Provide Support
The exact number of F-16s allocated for Ukraine remains unknown, but reports suggest that Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands may come together to provide approximately 50 of these advanced aircraft.
In mid-July, Joint Staff Director for Operations Lt. Gen. Douglas A. Sims confirmed the delivery of cluster munitions from the U.S. to Ukraine. The defense department also assured that they have “hundreds of thousands” of these munitions readily available for immediate support.
With ongoing efforts to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities, the United States and its allies stand united in their commitment to supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.
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