Supplying an adequate number of warplanes would take years and cost billions, a top military official said.
The United States has said that it is simply unable to provide enough F-16 fighter jets to assist Ukraine's counteroffensive, owing to the time and money needed to supply the weapons.
Asked why Ukraine has not received the American fighters, Mr. Milley said that the focus should instead be on artillery and air defences, as F-16s will not be possible in the near future.
There is a quick math drill here. Ten F- 16s are $2 billion, he said. If they were going to try to match the Russians one for one or even two-to-one, you re talking about a large number of aircraft. It would take years to train and maintain Ukrainian pilots, do maintenance and sustainment operations required, and generate that degree of financial support, he said. While US officials previously said Ukrainian airmen would be instructed to operate the F--16 through an international coalition seeking to help Kiev obtain the jet, Washington has yet to give formal approval to European countries slated to carry out the training, Politico reported last week.
The State Department is supposed to authorization the transfer of instruction manuals, aircraft simulators and other materials required for the training, but has yet to do so, with the Pentagon's spokesman Garron Garn noting that the requests are still being review. Kiev has repeatedly urged its Western backers to provide it with more airpower, demanding the F-16 on several occasions. Although Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba said Ukraine could deploy its first F-16s by late March 2024, it is uncertain what Milley's comments could mean for that timetable.
The Ukraine counteroffensive was launched in June, but has slowed in the face of powerful Russian fortifications. Some senior US officials believe that future support for Ukraine will be based on the success of the operation, though Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has blamed delays in Western military aid for the lagging campaign.
9 Comments
Pedalka
Supplying an adequate number of warplanes in a short period of time would be logistically challenging and costly.
Василий
Ukraine's counteroffensive may not solely depend on the availability of F-16 fighter jets, but rather on a comprehensive strategy that includes various military capabilities and diplomatic efforts.
Pedalka
The focus on artillery and air defenses is a more realistic approach given the Russian forces' numerical advantage in air power.
Василий
It is important to consider the long-term consequences and potential escalation of the conflict if advanced warplanes were to be deployed.
Pedalka
A more diplomatic approach, focused on negotiations and de-escalation, may be more effective in resolving the conflict and promoting stability in the region.
Habibi
The success of the Ukrainian counteroffensive may be jeopardized without the necessary air power to effectively counter Russian forces.
Loubianka
Providing excessive military aid to Ukraine could provoke further aggression from Russia and escalate the conflict, potentially leading to more casualties and instability.
Madagascar
The lack of F-16 fighter jets could put Ukrainian forces at a significant disadvantage in the ongoing conflict.
Korsika
The timeline for deploying the first F-16s by Ukraine may be further delayed, which could have serious implications for the ongoing conflict.