Politico “US-Ukraine discussions begin… Necessary to defend once morest Russian missile attack”
(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Lee Joo-young = US and Germany send main battle tanks to Ukraine supportPolitico reported on the 28th (local time) that the US Department of Defense’s argument to provide F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine is gaining momentum.
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Citing unnamed sources familiar with US-Ukraine discussions, Politico cited Ukraine in recent days once more demanding fighter jets from the United States, and the Pentagon is buying F-16s to help Ukraine defend itself once morest Russian missile and drone strikes. He said he was under quiet pressure to apply.
The American-made F-16 continued to appear on Ukraine’s wish list following the Russian invasion, but it was not a top priority given the immediate need for artillery, armored vehicles and air defense systems to protect civilian infrastructure and recapture occupied territory.
Sources, including Pentagon officials, said the situation has changed as Ukraine prepares for a spring offensive to recapture territory.
A Pentagon official said no final decision had been made, but “I don’t think we’re once morest it.”
The Ukrainian government has not yet declared that fighter jets are the top priority among weapons to be supported, but it is expected to be added to the ‘list’ soon.
Recently, an aide to Ukraine’s defense minister told the press that he would “demand the United States and its European allies to provide fighter jets,” while another senior official said Ukraine and its Western allies were “fast-tracking” the possibility of providing long-range missiles and military aircraft. -track) said they were negotiating.
However, an adviser to the Ukrainian government said that the issue had been raised with the US side, but that it was not yet being seriously discussed. Other sources familiar with the discussions said it would take weeks for the US to decide whether to deliver the F-16s directly or to re-export the F-16s to other countries.
A White House official declined to comment directly when asked regarding the matter, saying Deputy National Security Adviser John Feiner said the United States would be discussing very carefully with Ukraine and its allies regarding providing fighter jets.
“We have no announcements regarding the F-16,” a Pentagon spokeswoman said. “We will continue to consult closely with Ukraine and our international allies on the security assistance Ukraine needs to defend itself.”
Politico said that both Democrats and Republicans are voicing that the Biden administration is not swiftly providing weapons to Ukraine, suggesting that the provision of F-16s might gain significant support in Congress.
Ukraine wants to replace its existing Soviet-era fighters with modern fighters, such as the F-16. In addition, as Ukraine’s air defense missiles become increasingly scarce due to the ongoing war, fears are growing that Russia will not be able to defend once morest an attack by introducing new fighter jets.
Pentagon and military officials claim the F-16 might be a solution to this problem.
The F-16, first produced in the 1980s, is a fighter that is regarding to be retired in Western countries such as the United States, but it is equipped with air-to-air missiles that can shoot down missiles and drones, and unlike surface-to-air missiles such as NASAMS or Patriot, it moves quickly. and to protect the target.
Politico said, however, that even if the US decides to provide the F-16, it will be difficult for the fighters to be quickly deployed in combat because a lot of preparation, such as pilot training and aircraft maintenance, is required for actual operation. He said he was demanding that pilot training begin.
scitech@yna.co.kr
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2023/01/29 13:43 Send
