Ukraine's imminent F-16s arrival only part of broader defense talks, MoD reveals
Rustem Umerov, Minister of Defense of Ukraine (Photo: Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukraine will receive F-16 fighters in the near future. However, during negotiations with allies, discussions are not only centered around them, states Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
He mentions that Ukraine is preparing to receive the F-16s. Ukraine is working on both infrastructure and technical equipment. Pilots and the technical team are also preparing.
"In the short term, we will receive the F-16s. In the medium term, we have also placed orders for the Defense Forces of the future, but this concerns the years 2027-2030. The work is ongoing, and we will soon be receiving them. We're discussing not only the F-16s; the list is extensive," adds the Minister of Defense.
He clarifies that there are no limits on technology transfer and collaboration on armaments.
It's worth noting that discussions about supplying Ukraine with Gripen and F-18 Hornet fighters are known in the public domain.
F-16s for Ukraine
Allies have pledged to transfer F-16 fighters to Ukraine. Ukrainian pilots are expected to receive at least 61 aircraft: 42 from the Netherlands and 19 from Denmark.
Additionally, a few days ago, Belgium confirmed its intention to transfer F-16s to Ukraine in 2025.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emphasized that the timing of receiving the fighters depends on how quickly Ukrainian pilots are trained.
