The United States is shifting the focus of training for Ukrainian F-16 pilots to junior cadets due to a lack of experienced aviators with English language skills. A full squadron of 20 aircraft and 40 pilots is expected no earlier than spring-summer 2025.
The Romanian government has approved legal procedures for training Ukrainian personnel to operate F-16s at the Fătesti air base. This is the fulfillment of a commitment made by Romania at the NATO Summit in Vilnius.
The Netherlands delivered the first F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine and announced a plan to provide advanced drones worth €400 million.
Ruben Brekelmans arrived in Ukraine and visited Kharkiv, which is 40 kilometers from the border with Russia. He saw the consequences of Russian shelling and said that Ukraine can only defend itself by keeping Russia at a greater distance.
Ukraine's DELTA combat system played a key role in NATO's anti-drone exercise in the Netherlands. Experts from the Ukrainian Defense Ministry's Center for Innovation demonstrated the system's drone identification and detection capabilities.
Romania has scrambled its F-18 and F-16 fighter jets after detecting Russian drones heading for Ukraine. The Romanian Defense Ministry condemned Russia's attacks on civilian targets in Ukraine as a violation of international law.
The United States is sending thousands of troops and additional squadrons to the Middle East to strengthen Israel's security. The total number of US forces in the region will increase to 43,000.
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg says Putin's nuclear threats should not prevent military assistance to Ukraine.
NATO has launched additional AWACS surveillance flights over Romania following the downing of Russian drones. The flights will take place from air bases in Greece and Germany to monitor Russian military activities.
The Pentagon has raised the readiness of additional US forces for deployment in the Middle East. This decision was taken against the backdrop of escalation in the region to protect American interests and deter Iran.
President Zelenskyy said that the next Ramstein meeting would discuss the implementation of the Victory Plan. He thanked the United States for the $8 billion support package.
The Netherlands has officially said goodbye to the F-16 after 45 years of service. The last 14 fighters will be transferred to Ukraine, and 18 will be used to train Ukrainian pilots in Romania.
The Romanian Defense Ministry said a Russian drone may have briefly crossed the border during the attack on Ukraine. Romanian and Spanish fighter jets took to the air to monitor the situation.
U. S. Secretary of State Blinken confirms a plan to provide Ukraine with $5.55 billion in military aid in the coming weeks and months. The funds are allocated as part of the previously announced aid package for 2024.
The President of Ukraine prepares to present the Victory Plan in the United States. Russia intensifies nuclear threats and attacks on Ukrainian cities, and Western allies call for Ukraine to be allowed to strike at Russian territory.
U. S. President Joe Biden has announced an expansion of the F-16 training program for Ukrainian pilots. It is planned to train an additional 18 pilots next year to strengthen the capacity of the Ukrainian Air Force.
The President of Ukraine expressed gratitude to the United States for providing significant defense assistance worth $7. 9 billion and new sanctions against Russia. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of support for Ukraine's defense and victory.
US President Joe Biden announces a new $7. 9 billion military aid package for Ukraine. The package includes air defense, drones, ammunition, and expanded training for Ukrainian F-16 pilots.
Washington plans to provide Ukraine with its largest aid package since May, including ammunition for F-16s and HIMARS. The package will be announced on the eve of Zelenskyy's meeting with Biden at the White House.
Mette Frederiksen said that Ukraine's allies should stop hesitating to strike Russia with Western weapons. She called for an end to discussions about “red lines” and the lifting of restrictions on the use of weapons.
The Kremlin realizes that nuclear threats are losing their effectiveness. Putin is considering “more subtle” options for responding to Western support for Ukraine, avoiding direct escalation.
Work is underway to achieve superiority in the sky.
The US may plan to send $375 million in military aid to Ukraine, including missiles for the F-16.
An F-16 fighter jet crashes while repelling a missile attack in Ukraine, killing an experienced pilot. The causes of the crash are under investigation, and experts are discussing pilot training and the need for a more powerful air defense system.
A six-month training course for Ukrainian pilots on Alphajet aircraft has been completed in France. The French Air Force plans to train 26 Ukrainian pilots over the next two years.
The President of Ukraine held a meeting with the Air Force Command to increase the number of F-16s and accelerate pilot training. Denmark confirmed the delivery of the next batch of F-16s by the end of 2024.
The Biden administration is open to providing Ukraine with JASSM long-range cruise missiles for the F-16. This would give the Ukrainian Armed Forces the ability to launch missiles over 320 kilometers from fighter jets.
Minister Kuleba met with James O'Brien in Kyiv. They discussed NATO membership, air defense, the F-16 program, and the possibility of Ukraine using long-range weapons against military targets in Russia.
U. S. Senator Lindsey Graham suggested that Ukraine invite retired Western F-16 pilots to fight. This would allow the aircraft to be used earlier, while Ukrainian pilots are being trained.
During a visit to Kyiv, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham welcomed Ukraine's decision to launch an offensive in the Kursk region of Russia. He called on the U.S. administration to continue to help Ukraine and provide the necessary weapons.
