Talks on supplying F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine have entered a new phase. British Prime Minister Sunak and Prime Minister Rutte are said to have planned the delivery of the aircraft, including pilot training. But according to foreign commentator Bernard Hammelburg, there is still a lot of noise about the line.
According to NRC, the plans are now being denied by a spokesperson for Rutte. “No concrete agreements have been made,” writes the newspaper. Rutte’s position remains that in principle there are no taboos when defending Ukraine.
“I think now everyone agrees that it makes sense to train pilots,” says Hammelburg. But there’s also uncertainty about that, she says, because training has to be targeted very specifically at one type of aircraft. “For example, to operate an F-16, a MiG-29 or a Saab Viggen, you need a so-called type assessment necessary. This is very specific training and takes a long time.’
Sensitive devices
The Netherlands still owns 48 F-16s. According to Hammelburg, these have all but been canceled and would all be mothballed as they are replaced by the F-35, the Joint Strike Fighter. Furthermore, according to Hammelburg, it always happens that “half of a fleet of fighter aircraft does not fly because it needs maintenance”. “They are very sensitive devices that require maintenance after every flight and every action.”
So even if the Netherlands were to supply these F-16s to Ukraine, “Ukraine would buy some pork in one fell swoop.” Also, US President Joe Biden has not yet approved the handover.
“If the Netherlands were to supply these F-16s to Ukraine, Ukraine would buy some pork in one fell swoop”
Strict international rules apply to the export of weapons. The country where the weapons, and therefore the fighter planes, are made, must give permission for this. This discussion also played a role in the past when supplying tanks to Ukraine. F-16 supply talks have been going on for some time. Hammelburg thinks Ukrainian President Zelensky will make headway again. “Eventually, he gets it all done,” he says.
Violence
“We have started discussions on the supply of helmets. And now we are talking about fighter planes,’ says Hammelburg. ‘His touring around Europe, the hustle and bustle in all those capitals with all those heads of state and government always gets him something. So you can’t rule out those F-16s either.”
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Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
