US, Allies Could Give Ukraine Military Fighter Jets

As Russia’s war enters its sixth month, the United States and its partners are contemplating equipping the Ukrainian army with new fighter jets. 

Air Force Chief of Staff General Charles Brown stated at the Aspen Security Conference on Wednesday if the Pentagon decides to move forward, various alternatives are available. 

Initial Concerns

Brown noted numerous platforms from which one can travel to Ukraine. He went on to state that he could not precisely predict what it would be. 

Brown mentioned Swedish Gripen jets, the Eurofighter Typhoon, or French Rafale aircraft as alternatives on the table. 

In the past, the Biden administration rejected a request to deploy old Polish warplanes to Ukraine in order to replace those that Poland would’ve been giving up. 

In the initial proposal, Poland would transmit its MiG-29 fleet to the U.S. military’s Ramstein Air Base in Germany as an intermediate step. At the time, the Pentagon deemed the deal “high-risk” and untenable. 

At the time, then-Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told the media that intelligence agencies were concerned the idea would be misinterpreted as escalatory and result in a significant Russian response, increasing the likelihood of NATO militarization.

There is also the difficulty of training Ukrainians about whatever fighter jets the United States may give, despite the fact that the United States and its allies have already prepared Ukrainians for other armaments. 

Advancements and Change to Come

Brad Bowman of the Institute for Defense of Democracies told the Washington Examiner that preparing Ukrainian army members has evolved since the start of the war.

In a statement, he added it would take time to teach Ukrainian pilots how to fly modern planes, but these problems can be solved if both sides are determined enough.

In the initial weeks following Putin’s unprovoked incursion, these training difficulties were occasionally utilized instinctively to stifle discussions about NATO equipment provision. That hampered the delivery of critically needed NATO armaments to Kyiv.

They are now providing Ukraine with major NATO weaponry and the training obstacles that appeared formidable in March have been overcome. 

However, the provision of U.S. planes to Ukraine could have a significant positive effect on the ground as Ukrainians protect their homes against this unjustified assault.

They may be able to achieve two important goals simultaneously: assisting Ukraine and disposing of some older planes in the U.S. arsenal absorbing scarce American financial and manpower resources needed to purchase and field next-generation jets. 

Since Russia’s invasion, the United States has already contributed over $7 billion in military aid and a new funding package will be issued in the days ahead.

As part of the deal, the United States will deliver four additional high-mobility artillery rocket systems (HIMARS) to Ukraine, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced Wednesday.

This article appeared in NewsHouse and has been published here with permission.

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