The Foreign Affairs Committee of the US House of Representatives evaluated a series of notifications during the month of February proposing the transfer of 65 F-16A/B Fighting Falcon MLU fighter jets from Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands to Ukraine. Despite the mentioned countries expressing their intention to donate the aircraft, the estimated cost of the initiatives amounts to USD 1.683.5 billion, including spare engines, simulators, manuals, tools, and various materials for operating and sustaining the F-16s.
From the summary of the Foreign Affairs Committee, it is revealed that Denmark will make available six F-16 Block 10, thirteen F-16 Block 15 aircraft, additional engines, and support equipment. The transfer is valued at USD 87.5 million. It is worth noting that the Danish government has not only been one of the promoters of the initiative to provide F-16s to Ukraine but is also one of the few countries training pilots and technical personnel.
Regarding the Danish F-16s, the Defense Ministers of Argentina and the Nordic country recently signed a letter of intent for the purchase of 24 F-16A/B MLU aircraft, an acquisition process that is expected to be formalized in the coming weeks with the signing of a contract. The Royal Danish Air Force upgraded a total of 61 F-16A/B aircraft to the MLU standard, a fleet that was reduced to about 44 aircraft a few years ago and is being replaced by 5th generation F-35A Lightning II fighters.
In the case of Norway, the transfer includes up to 22 F-16 Block 10/15 aircraft, engines, support equipment, test benches, tools, maintenance materials, simulators, spare parts, manuals, and technical documents, among others. The document mentions that the original acquisition value is approximately USD 1.326 billion. Norway has made available a couple of F-16s for the training of Ukrainian crews, while also forming a core group of instructors to support the Danish effort.
Finally, the case of the Dutch RSAT was also discussed. On this occasion, it mentions 24 F-16 Block 10/15 aircraft as well as similar supplementary materials to those of Norway. The Dutch initiative initially involved the transfer of 18 fighters, however, that number would be expanded after the decision to cancel the sale of another six aircraft to the company Draken.
The Netherlands has been another major proponent of the project to deliver F-16 fighters to the Ukrainian Air Force. In the early months, the Dutch government was willing to transfer its F-16s to third parties in order to release combat aircraft of Soviet origin. Although this initiative did not come to life, it was a first step for the project of the previously mentioned European countries.
The Dutch commitment is such that in the last week of March, the Ministry of Defense announced the purchase of air-to-air missiles for the F-16s donated to Ukraine, an initiative valued at USD 150 million. In this way, the European state confirmed once again its commitment to supporting Ukraine in the context of the armed conflict it faces with Russia.
It is necessary to remember that the idea of transferring F-16s to Ukraine did not initially have the approval of Washington, it was a plan that matured over time until it received the green light. However, the USA has only committed to training Ukrainian personnel, leaving aside any intention related to the delivery of aircraft.
Cover image: Luftforsvaret – Morten Hanche
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Authorised? Didn’t know they had a say in the matter. And to be honest, who actually cares what they say lol if Scandinavian countries have bought them then they choose what they want to do with them (although sometimes there are stipulations in place before purchase).
No offense John, but you aren’t looking more than two feet in front of your face. There are many possible consequences of just handing over equipment that you bought from one country to another without their approval. The first being a breach of contract, in that you originally agreed not to transfer the weapons you bought. So they will no longer sell you new planes. But there are other places to buy planes.. so maybe you could pursue that option. But far worse is that they may no longer supply you with parts for your current fleet. If you need spare engines for your planes, if you need software updates to fix vulnerabilities to electronic countermeasures advancements by enemy states, then you are screwed and your entire air force could become far less useful.
Youre not to bright are you john. There are many clauses and stipulations when buying aircraft and any military equipment/technology from the us Just like when you buy stuff at the store.
In this case no country and sell or transfer any equipment received from the united states without prior approval from the department of defense and congress. Its the same reason why no other country will have anything that was involved with the F-22. Congress made that completely illegal for lockheed to disperse any information and equipment from it.
F16 A/B 40+ year old analog jets. Why do you think they are giving them away? Also, escalation of hostilities. Ukraine is running out of pilots. Another is Mid-Life Upgrades doesn’t mean anything, these are old and may not be able to do 9g+ maneuvers. Current Viper drivers won’t touch these with a ten foot pole. UAF pilots trained on current 30/40 what USA have in its inventory newbies flying against up to date Russkies, what could go wrong? Give the the 30/40 versions and they’ll kick butt but then again, Russia can’t lose and lose face. Use of tactical nukes on bases where these fighters land will eventually lead to kissing the world’s population goodbye because of MAD! Best move is to get a steak and lobster meal with a couple of bottles of Dom Perignon on top of a tall building and enjoy your last meal! Don’t worry, you won’t feel a thing! Just sayin
Authorized? 😂😂😂😂😂 These people really think they own the planet. Big mouth bully. This is the funniest I’ve ever read 😂
Eh! Authorised is a big statement. When you say “authorised” you merely compromise the sovereignty of the other state many questions pops up.
Some of the people commenting are rather delusional, “USA bad this, how dare you say authorize that” I’m not American, however it’s pretty clear your countries exist under the graces of Uncle Sam. This relationship comes with strings attached. “Authorized” bothers you so much you’d rather have softer euphemisms, it doesn’t change reality. Imagine what happens without their support.
Nuclear war. Thats what the CIA apparently wants
this is what we always talk about USA sitting in their country and commanding other countries that called themselves peaceful countries to do their dirty of destruction and they cannot think anything better than expecting it, shame on of them.