Ekaterina Prisyazhnyuk08:40, 02.02.23
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy is working to ensure that a consensus is reached on the supply of fighter jets to Ukraine.
Despite the restrained position of a number of Western countries, one can still count on the transfer of fighters to Ukraine .
At first, the transfer of battle tanks to the Ukrainian state was also an issue that caused controversy, but in the end a consensus was reached on it and the “red line” was crossed, Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said, Deutsche Welle writes citing dpa.
At the same time, the chief European diplomat did not answer the question whether he himself supports the supply of fighter jets to Ukraine.
“My task is to reach a consensus,” the European diplomat said and added that in such a situation it is not worth taking any position openly.
Military assistance to Ukraine from Western countries – what you need to know
Kyiv, from the very beginning of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation, has been asking partners from the West to provide aircraft that can help protect the Ukrainian skies from Russian missiles.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz opposes the transfer of fighter jets to Ukraine . In addition, US President Joe Biden is against the transfer of American F-16 fighters to the Ukrainian side. According to Western media, such a position of the head of the states was perceived with skepticism in the Pentagon .
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said that his country is ready to transfer F-16s to Ukraine if the US authorities give the green light.
(C)UNIAN 2023
Ben Wallace (UK Defence Sec), yesterday refused to rule out sending British fighter jets to Ukraine.
We have 140 Typhoons and 30 F35’s. (Plus another 30 or so F35’s serving on RN carriers). But also available are two squadrons of retired multi-role Tornadoes. The training time would be just weeks, instead of months in the case of the modern planes.
Why not start training Ukrainian aviators on Tornadoes and Typhoons right away and save some precious time?
Really thankful for the leadership role the Brit’s have taken. Without their steadfast support and strategic views we wouldn’t be anywhere near kicking the cockroaches out of our country.
I think Typhoons are overkill for Ukraine as they are really advanced and extremely hard to maintain. Also I think they contain way too much sensitive equipment that no NATO member would ever want to be falling into Russian hands.
I think Tornados are better suited, but then availability of spare parts and ammo may become a problem. Also the Tornados will be of less use after the war as they are as old as the fighter jets Ukraine currently has.
I do not think they are that easy to fly and maintain as they are old but have received many upgrades so they’re still very complicated machines. High maintenance costs were the reason they were retired.
I think F-16 jets are still on the table and I think Biden’s no was more a refusal to speak about it then a permanent “no” as negotiations are happening behind closed doors.
It isn’t for no reason that many leaders suddenly started talking about F16’s: I have no doubt they are under consideration.
F16’s are relatively easy to fly and cheap to maintain and they’re single engine which also helps. There are many variants ranging from simple to high tech and there is an abundance of ammo and spare parts. Also Poland has experience maintaining F-16’s which is a major plus.
I do think the UK should send these Tornados as they’re awesome (and a shame to be retired) but I am convinced the F-16 makes a lot more sense and will be what Ukraine is getting.
I feel they only use them as a bargaining chip as there is no way they will be allowed to send the Typhoon’s.
As a possible right here, right now, I would like to see some Tornados provided for front line duty. Then have a layer of Gripens. Followed by an overwhelming force of F-16, and F-18s. May God hear our prayers and grant our requests in the Name above all names. Amen!
Psalm 91:4
4. He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart.