U.S. officials believe that modern F-16 fighter jets are important for Ukraine in the medium term. However, the planes supposedly will not radically change the situation in the war.

This opinion was expressed by US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall, reports Voice of America.

"F-16s will help the Ukrainians, but will not change the balance radically," he said.

According to Kendall, the delivery of the F-16 "will create intermediate capabilities that Ukrainians do not currently have, but it will not change the situation dramatically." They say, "until air power was the decisive factor" in the war. At the same time, the official stressed the effectiveness of air defense systems that are now in service with the Ukrainian military.

A spokesman for the U.S. Air Force said U.S. assistance to Ukraine "had other, much higher priorities." That is why, he argues, Washington did not start transferring these aircraft earlier.

"I think it was rational to make that decision now... I think we need to start thinking ahead for the longer term," Kendall said.

As reported, the Netherlands may become the first country to transfer F-16 fighters to Ukraine. The country currently operates 24 F-16 fighter jets, which are "suitable for operational deployment" and "will remain in use until mid-2024."

Read also:

• Putin "outplayed" everyone again: Ukraine will receive F-16s, and Russia will receive even more sanctions and isolation, even from China
• F-16 for Ukraine: Zelensky told how long the training of Ukrainian pilots will last
• F-16 fighters will ensure Ukraine's victory in the war - Ihnat

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