Stoltenberg mentioned Ukraine’s allies’ desire for early F-16 deployment, stressing the jets’ effectiveness hinges on pilot training and crew readiness.
In an interview with Radio Liberty, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stressed that each ally retains the autonomy to provide F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, affirming Ukraine’s right to self-defense, including striking legitimate Russian military targets beyond its borders.
Ukraine has actively pursued U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets to counter Russian air superiority. The United States approved the transfer of F-16s from Denmark and the Netherlands to Ukraine in August, pending completion of pilot training.
Kyiv had long sought to obtain the fighters after heavy losses incurred by its air force, which flies primarily Russian aircraft. The US F-16 has better combat capabilities than those operated by Ukraine.
On the question of when Ukraine will be able to deploy F-16s, Stoltenberg stated that it was not possible to determine.