“At Present F-16 Fighters Will Not Be Provided to Ukraine,” States US Defense Secretary

The Pentagon continues to believe that Ukraine needs air defense systems, long-range weapons and armored vehicles the most, the minister said.

The U.S. continues to supply Ukraine with these weapons and train Ukrainian soldiers in their use, Austin said.

As for the F-16 fighter jets, it will take about 18 months from the time the decision is made to the time they can be used.

It won’t help the Ukrainians at this stage of the war, Austin said.

The Pentagon believes that Ukraine will be able to receive fighter jets in the future, Austin said. Potentially, these can be F-16 fighters or other fourth-generation aircraft, the minister said, promising that the United States will continue to work with partners to provide Ukraine with everything it needs.