Trump, Zelensky Spat May Ground Ukraine’s F-16 Deployment

Ukraine’s hopes of deploying its American-made F-16s against Russia may be dashed if the Trump administration refuses to support the Fighting Falcons that have been donated to it by certain European nations.

While the F-16s so far donated or going to be delivered by Denmark, Norway and the Netherlands are owned by these European nations, they are still bound by end-user conditions defined by the Pentagon. Key weapons such as air-to-air missiles and air-to-ground missiles and bombs are still sourced from the U.S. although the aircraft have been made compatible with some Europe-made weapons.

Denmark and the Netherlands lead an international fighter coalition, within which Ukrainian pilots and technical personnel are trained in the operation of the F-16. It is reported that American contractors man some of the functions in the F-16 training centers including simulators.

It recently became known that Belgium will not be able to transfer its F-16s to Ukraine this year due to delays in deliveries of the ordered F-35s. Initially, Belgium's participation was limited to training and logistical support, but the government later decided to transfer 30 F-16 fighters.

In early February, it was reported that the Ukrainian Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine received a new batch of F-16 multi-role fighters from the Netherlands. The number of aircraft transferred was not disclosed. In total, the Netherlands pledged to transfer 24 fighters to Ukraine.

No New Arms Transfers to Ukraine since Trump’s inauguration

Ever since Donald Trump assumed the role of U.S. President no new arms transfer approved to Ukraine which sets the trend for future transfers.

The F-16s may be the victim of the changed mood in Washington where President Trump expects Zelensky to first pay for $65 billion worth arms already transferred by way of giving rare earth mineral concessions