The United States has given approval for the Netherlands and Denmark to deliver F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, providing a significant boost to Kyiv in its ongoing war with Russia. The sophisticated fighter jets are expected to give Ukraine a combat edge and address its lack of air cover.

Ukrainian pilots will first undergo at least six months of training on the aircraft before they can enter the conflict. While the introduction of F-16s is not expected to be an immediate game-changer, it is seen as a crucial step towards enhancing Ukraine's long-term security. Western allies, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, and the United Kingdom, have pledged to train Ukrainian pilots to fly the F-16s.

Denmark will transfer some of its F-16s to Ukraine after receiving its new F-35 fighter jets. The decision to allow the delivery of F-16s to Ukraine was preceded by months of debate and negotiations between the US and its allies, amid concerns about escalating tensions with Russia and the logistical challenges of providing the advanced aircraft.

The F-16s will replace Ukraine's older aircraft, which are vulnerable to air-to-air missile attacks from Russian fighter jets. Additionally, Russian air defenses successfully intercepted drone attacks on central Moscow and the country's ships in the Black Sea, attributing them to Ukraine. The claims, however, could not be independently verified.