Washington, its allies discussing possible transfer of fighter jets to Ukraine

The New Voice of Ukraine
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Successful counter-offensive have bolstered the case for NATO countries and partners to provide Kyiv with lethal aid
Successful counter-offensive have bolstered the case for NATO countries and partners to provide Kyiv with lethal aid

The senior U.S. defence official said Washington and its allies were discussing Ukraine’s longer term needs, such as air defences, and whether it might be appropriate to give Kyiv fighter aircraft in the “medium to longer term.”

Read also: Slovakia considers transferring its MiG-29 jets to Ukraine

To date, the United States and its allies have declined to do so.

At the same time, some western officials have been emboldened by Ukraine’s progress, saying that recent advances have bolstered the case for NATO countries and partners to provide it with lethal aid.

Read also: What Ukraine needs to win the war

According to the FT, Washington is also expected to announce another weapons package in the coming days.

U.S. Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Colin Kahl said on Aug. 9 the United States does not yet intend to include F-16 fighter jets in aid packages to Ukraine, but does not rule out their transfer in the future.

The United States stated the process of transferring fighter jets would take years, so it would be easier to upgrade the available Ukrainian planes.

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