<p>The Netherlands will deliver 18 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine to help its battle against Russia's invasion, the Dutch government said on Friday.</p>

<p>"Today I informed President Zelenskiy of our government's decision to prepare an initial 18 F-16 fighter aircraft for delivery to Ukraine," caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte said in a post on social media platform X.</p>

<p>"The delivery of F-16s is one of the most important elements of the agreements made on military support for Ukraine."</p>

<p>The delivery of the fighter jets is still pending on an export permit by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the fulfillment of criteria for staff and infrastructure in Ukraine, Rutte added without giving a timeline for these decisions.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/right-to-a-dignified-death-cuba-follows-colombia-as-it-legalises-euthanasia-672766">'Right to a dignified death': Cuba follows Colombia as it legalises euthanasia</a></p>

<p>But the announcement made it possible to reserve funds and people to prepare the planes for delivery, the government said.</p>

<p>"I spoke with Mark Rutte to thank the Dutch government for its decision to start preparing the initial 18 F-16 jets for their delivery to Ukraine," Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskiy said on X.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-304-people-arrested-over-suspected-ties-to-islamic-state-672746">Turkey: 304 people arrested over suspected ties to Islamic State</a></p>

<p>The Netherlands sent its first US made F-16s to a new training facility for Ukrainian pilots and staff in Romania last month.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/energy-sector-what-to-expect-in-2024-672779">Energy Sector: What to expect in 2024?</a></strong></p>

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<p>Denmark, Norway, and Belgium have also announced they will give F-16 jets to Ukraine, after the US government approved sending them to defend against Russia as soon as pilot training is completed.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The Netherlands will deliver 18 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine to help its battle against Russia's invasion, the Dutch government said on Friday. "Today I informed President Zelenskiy of our government's decision to prepare an initial 18 F-16 fighter aircraft for delivery to Ukraine," caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte said in a post on social media platform X.

The Netherlands will deliver 18 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine to help its battle against Russia's invasion, the Dutch government said on Friday. "Today I informed President Zelenskiy of our government's decision to prepare an initial 18 F-16 fighter aircraft for delivery to Ukraine," caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte said in a post on social media platform X. "The delivery of F-16s is one of the most important elements of the agreements made on military support for Ukraine." The delivery of the fighter jets is still pending on an export permit by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the fulfillment of criteria for staff and infrastructure in Ukraine, Rutte added without giving a timeline for these decisions. Also Read | 'Right to a dignified death': Cuba follows Colombia as it legalises euthanasia But the announcement made it possible to reserve funds and people to prepare the planes for delivery, the government said. "I spoke with Mark Rutte to thank the Dutch government for its decision to start preparing the initial 18 F-16 jets for their delivery to Ukraine," Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskiy said on X. Also Read | Turkey: 304 people arrested over suspected ties to Islamic State The Netherlands sent its first US made F-16s to a new training facility for Ukrainian pilots and staff in Romania last month. Watch | Energy Sector: What to expect in 2024? × Denmark, Norway, and Belgium have also announced they will give F-16 jets to Ukraine, after the US government approved sending them to defend against Russia as soon as pilot training is completed.

Netherlands to deliver 18 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine

<p>An American F-16 fighter jet crashed in South Korea on Monday (Dec 11) during a training exercise and the pilot has since been rescued after ejecting from the aircraft, by South Korean authorities, said the United States Air Force confirming the incident earlier reported by news agency Yonhap.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What happened?</strong></h2>

<p>A report by Yonhap citing the US military branch said the jet assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing crashed into the waters at approximately 8:43 am (local time) after taking off from the Kunsan Air Base in Gunsan nearly 200 kilometres away from the capital Seoul.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-approves-sending-f-16-jets-to-ukraine-from-denmark-and-netherlands-626571">US approves sending F-16 jets to Ukraine from Denmark and Netherlands</a></strong></p>

<p>“The pilot has been recovered by Republic of Korea Maritime Forces, awake and in stable condition. He is being returned to Kunsan Air Base where he will be evaluated further,” said the US officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The airbase located in the South Korean west coast city of Gunsan is one of the two main air bases used by the US military in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident is said to have taken place in the Yellow Sea. According to the US Air Force unit, the South Korean coast guard and the Navy were involved in the rescue operation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-f-18-military-jet-crashes-near-san-diego-reports-629237">Pilot of US F-18 military jet killed after 'accidental' crash near San Diego: Reports</a></strong></p>

<p>The cause of the crash was being investigated, said the US officials in South Korea. The unit commander, Colonel Matthew Gaetke, said he was grateful for the pilot’s recovery and that he was in good condition. No other information about available about the pilot’s condition.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Previous crash</strong></h2>

<p>The reported incident comes months after a US F-16 jet crashed during a routine training exercise in a farming area south of Seoul.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The previous crash took place in May and the pilot ejected safely and the accident caused no other casualties.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-aircraft-crashes-off-japanese-coast-with-eight-onboard-664176">US military aircraft crashes off Japanese coast with eight on board</a></strong></p>

<p>Washington is Seoul’s key security ally and has stationed around 28,500 American troops in South Korea.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An American F-16 fighter jet crashed in South Korea on Monday (Dec 11) during a training exercise and the pilot has since been rescued after ejecting from the aircraft, by South Korean authorities, said the United States Air Force confirming the incident earlier reported by news agency Yonhap.

An American F-16 fighter jet crashed in South Korea on Monday (Dec 11) during a training exercise and the pilot has since been rescued after ejecting from the aircraft, by South Korean authorities, said the United States Air Force confirming the incident earlier reported by news agency Yonhap. What happened? A report by Yonhap citing the US military branch said the jet assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing crashed into the waters at approximately 8:43 am (local time) after taking off from the Kunsan Air Base in Gunsan nearly 200 kilometres away from the capital Seoul. ALSO READ | US approves sending F-16 jets to Ukraine from Denmark and Netherlands “The pilot has been recovered by Republic of Korea Maritime Forces, awake and in stable condition. He is being returned to Kunsan Air Base where he will be evaluated further,” said the US officials. The airbase located in the South Korean west coast city of Gunsan is one of the two main air bases used by the US military in the country. The incident is said to have taken place in the Yellow Sea. According to the US Air Force unit, the South Korean coast guard and the Navy were involved in the rescue operation. ALSO READ | Pilot of US F-18 military jet killed after 'accidental' crash near San Diego: Reports The cause of the crash was being investigated, said the US officials in South Korea. The unit commander, Colonel Matthew Gaetke, said he was grateful for the pilot’s recovery and that he was in good condition. No other information about available about the pilot’s condition. Previous crash The reported incident comes months after a US F-16 jet crashed during a routine training exercise in a farming area south of Seoul. The previous crash took place in May and the pilot ejected safely and the accident caused no other casualties. ALSO READ | US military aircraft crashes off Japanese coast with eight on board Washington is Seoul’s key security ally and has stationed around 28,500 American troops in South Korea. (With inputs from agencies)

American F-16 fighter jet crashes in South Korea during training exercise, says US Air Force

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday (September 12) slammed the West's plans of sending F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, stating that the move would only "prolong conflict".&nbsp;</p>

<p>At an economic forum in Russia's Far East, Putin said: "They are going to deliver F-16s. Will this change anything? I don't think so. It will just prolong the conflict."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US recently approved sending F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine from Denmark and the Netherlands to defend against Russian invaders as soon as pilot training is completed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This came after Kyiv's consistent plea to provide the war-ravaged nation with F-16s to fend off Russia's aggression amid the ongoing war, which started last year on February 24.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-brands-trumps-legal-battles-as-political-witch-hunt-as-us-russia-tensions-escalate-635278">Putin calls Trump's legal battles a political witch hunt as US-Russia tensions escalate</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Previously, Russia has called for the supply of these advanced jets will lead to acceleration. In July, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Moscow would regard Western F-16 fighter jets sent to Ukraine as a "nuclear" threat because of their capacity to carry atomic weapons.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russian president also denounced Washington for sending Kyiv controversial cluster munitions, which triggered criticism from Brussels.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, "Not long ago, the US administration believed that the use of cluster munitions is a war crime. Now, they themselves are supplying cluster munitions to combat areas in Ukraine."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cluster munitions have been controversial in terms of the Russia-Ukraine war as they can disperse up to several hundred small explosive charges, which can remain unexploded in the ground. Ukraine has relied on Western weaponry to launch and lead its counteroffensive against Russian forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/you-scratch-my-back-i-scratch-yours-whats-the-new-interdependent-kim-putin-dynamic-635224">You scratch my back, I scratch yours: What's the new interdependent Kim-Putin dynamic?</a>&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Kim Jong-un in Russia -&nbsp;Putin set to meet Kim in Russia's far east&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>At the economic forum, Putin also said that the Russian army has added over half a million people in the last year, including both drafted and volunteer fighters, to fight in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kremlin hasn't announced a second draft as the first wave of mobilisation last year triggered a wave of emigration. But Russia pursued a campaign to recruit volunteers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We had a partial mobilisation... We called up 300,000 people. Now, in the last six-seven months, 270,000 people have voluntarily signed contracts to serve in the Russian army," Putin said, further adding that the "process continues, with 1,000-1,500 people coming every day to sign contracts".&nbsp;</p>

<p>On being asked about whether Russia will introduce another mobilisation wave, he did not outright deny the possibility, but said that "our men, knowing what awaits them on the front, still go for this consciously and voluntarily to defend the motherland".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday (September 12) slammed the West's plans of sending F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, stating that the move would only "prolong conflict".

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday (September 12) slammed the West's plans of sending F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, stating that the move would only "prolong conflict". At an economic forum in Russia's Far East, Putin said: "They are going to deliver F-16s. Will this change anything? I don't think so. It will just prolong the conflict." The US recently approved sending F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine from Denmark and the Netherlands to defend against Russian invaders as soon as pilot training is completed. This came after Kyiv's consistent plea to provide the war-ravaged nation with F-16s to fend off Russia's aggression amid the ongoing war, which started last year on February 24. Also read: Putin calls Trump's legal battles a political witch hunt as US-Russia tensions escalate Previously, Russia has called for the supply of these advanced jets will lead to acceleration. In July, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Moscow would regard Western F-16 fighter jets sent to Ukraine as a "nuclear" threat because of their capacity to carry atomic weapons. The Russian president also denounced Washington for sending Kyiv controversial cluster munitions, which triggered criticism from Brussels. He said, "Not long ago, the US administration believed that the use of cluster munitions is a war crime. Now, they themselves are supplying cluster munitions to combat areas in Ukraine." Cluster munitions have been controversial in terms of the Russia-Ukraine war as they can disperse up to several hundred small explosive charges, which can remain unexploded in the ground. Ukraine has relied on Western weaponry to launch and lead its counteroffensive against Russian forces. Also read: You scratch my back, I scratch yours: What's the new interdependent Kim-Putin dynamic? Watch: Kim Jong-un in Russia - Putin set to meet Kim in Russia's far east × At the economic forum, Putin also said that the Russian army has added over half a million people in the last year, including both drafted and volunteer fighters, to fight in Ukraine. Kremlin hasn't announced a second draft as the first wave of mobilisation last year triggered a wave of emigration. But Russia pursued a campaign to recruit volunteers. "We had a partial mobilisation... We called up 300,000 people. Now, in the last six-seven months, 270,000 people have voluntarily signed contracts to serve in the Russian army," Putin said, further adding that the "process continues, with 1,000-1,500 people coming every day to sign contracts". On being asked about whether Russia will introduce another mobilisation wave, he did not outright deny the possibility, but said that "our men, knowing what awaits them on the front, still go for this consciously and voluntarily to defend the motherland". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Putin says West sending F-16s to Ukraine will 'only prolong conflict'

<p>The war in Ukraine has been going on for more than a year. In February last year, weight of history appeared to descend on the collective imagination of the world as Russia, the descendent state of a former world superpower brought war back into Europe.</p>

<p>The stakes were high and there were fears of Russian troops quickly overrunning Ukraine, which was part of Soviet Russia. After sustained gains in the initial weeks of the conflict, it began to be clear that it was not going to be a cakewalk for the Russians. Several retreats and more than a year later, the war goes on as a virtual stalemate.</p>

<p>During all this period, the Western countries, led by the USA have poured in billions of dollars into Ukraine. The USA has even provided ammunition, missile systems and more to Ukrainian forces. The help has been of vital importance.</p>

<p>However, Ukraine has long been requesting US-made F-16 fighter jets for its use in the battlefield to defend its territory. And the US has long been reluctant to provide a blank cheque. There have been concerns in the Western decision-making circles that Ukraine may use F-16 jets to cross the frontier and carry out air attacks inside the Russian territory. Ukraine has often sought to assuage these fears by saying that F-16 fighter jets, if they are provided, will be used for defensive purposes.</p>

<h2><strong>A look at the F-16 and its might</strong></h2>

<p><img alt="F-16" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="25219da2-c31e-49a2-b5f1-dad150e148d3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2023-08-17T210819Z_2_LYNXMPEJ7G0VN_RTROPTP_4_UKRAINE-CRISIS-NATO.JPG" /></p>

<p>The F-16, often called the 'Fighting Falcon,' is a multi-role fighter aircraft that's compact and highly manoeuverable.</p>

<p>The combat radius of F-16 fighter exceeds that of potential threat fighter jets.</p>

<p>"F-16 can fly more than 500 miles (860 kilometers), deliver its weapons with superior accuracy, defend itself against enemy aircraft, and return to its starting point," says the official website of the US government.</p>

<p>The fighter jet has all-weather capability &nbsp;which allows it to bomb targets even in non-visual bombing conditions. The 'flying falcon' can withstand upto 9Gs - nine times the force of gravity. Very few fighter aircrafts in the world can boast of this.&nbsp;</p>

<p>F-16 packs major firepower as it can carry two 2000 pound bombs, two AIM-120, two AIM-9 in addition to two 2400 pound external fuel tanks. It has a maximum speed of 1500 mph (Mach-2)</p>

<h2><strong>Why does Ukraine want F-16 fighters?</strong></h2>

<p>Ukraine has a small air force. At the start of the war, almost all fighter planes Ukraine had were old, Soviet-standard fighters. Ukraine had about 120 combat-capable planes. Media reports suggest that the number has fallen as the war has continued. Ukraine does have air capability, but it just might not be enough to effectively defend or attack.</p>

<p>F-16 fighter jet is far superior to jets currently in Ukraine's fleet. Ukraine hasn't used much airpower since the start of the war. F-16 can change that.</p>

<p>Even Russia has been reluctant to use its fighter jets much beyond the frontier, it is considered that Russian air defence systems are effective and it would be hard for current fleet of Ukrainian fighter jet to evade Russians and mount an attack that makes a difference.</p>

<h2><strong>Why is US reluctant to directly&nbsp;provide F-16 jets?</strong></h2>

<p>Although the Western countries have rallied to help Ukraine, the overall approach has been to contain and even cease the hostilities. Ukraine war has had non-military ramifications like grain shortage, fuel crisis and more. And with nuclear threats coming out from the Russian camp periodically, no one would want an escalation.</p>

<p>Providing F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine would not only be just an act of military help, it would carry symbolism beyond that. With F-16 in its ranks, the battlefield equation may change in Ukraine's favour, in the air combat to start with.</p>

<p>Supply of F-16s from US to Ukraine would thus enrage Russia and currently its further steps can only be speculated. China has been providing diplomatic cover to Russia and largely stood behind it. Though China maintains that a diplomatic solution should be reached, fact remains that it has lent support to Russia. Escalation of Ukraine war with Russia and China coming together in greater degree would certainly not be contributive to resolving the situation peacefully.</p>

<h2><strong>So no hopes for Ukraine after all?</strong></h2>

<p>Although US is dragging feet on the issue of F-16s, all is not lost for Ukraine as Europe is giving it some hope.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Sunday (August 20) the Netherlands and Denmark committed to providing F-16s to Ukraine. Prime ministers of both the countries gave Ukrainian President Volodymy Zelensky this assuarance as he travelled to the two countries to meet the premiers. It has been assured that first deliveries will be due around New Year.</p>

<p>Such a transfer has got a green signal from the US.</p>

<p>“The Netherlands and Denmark commit to transfer F-16s to Ukraine once the conditions for such a transfer have been met,” said the Dutch PM Mark Rutte.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reaffirmed support for Ukraine and said that Denmark with deliver 19 jets in total and first six jets will be shipped to Ukraine around New Year.</p>

<p>She added that this will be followed by eight in 2024 and five in year next to that.</p>

<p>The Danish PM said over 70 Ukrainian military officials had arrived in Denmark for training. Ukraine said that it expects several dozens of pilots to be trained but it was not immediately clear how many pilots had arrived in Denmark.</p>

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The war in Ukraine has been going on for more than a year. In February last year, weight of history appeared to descend on the collective imagination of the world as Russia, the descendent state of a former world superpower brought war back into Europe.

The war in Ukraine has been going on for more than a year. In February last year, weight of history appeared to descend on the collective imagination of the world as Russia, the descendent state of a former world superpower brought war back into Europe. The stakes were high and there were fears of Russian troops quickly overrunning Ukraine, which was part of Soviet Russia. After sustained gains in the initial weeks of the conflict, it began to be clear that it was not going to be a cakewalk for the Russians. Several retreats and more than a year later, the war goes on as a virtual stalemate. During all this period, the Western countries, led by the USA have poured in billions of dollars into Ukraine. The USA has even provided ammunition, missile systems and more to Ukrainian forces. The help has been of vital importance. However, Ukraine has long been requesting US-made F-16 fighter jets for its use in the battlefield to defend its territory. And the US has long been reluctant to provide a blank cheque. There have been concerns in the Western decision-making circles that Ukraine may use F-16 jets to cross the frontier and carry out air attacks inside the Russian territory. Ukraine has often sought to assuage these fears by saying that F-16 fighter jets, if they are provided, will be used for defensive purposes. A look at the F-16 and its might The F-16, often called the 'Fighting Falcon,' is a multi-role fighter aircraft that's compact and highly manoeuverable. The combat radius of F-16 fighter exceeds that of potential threat fighter jets. "F-16 can fly more than 500 miles (860 kilometers), deliver its weapons with superior accuracy, defend itself against enemy aircraft, and return to its starting point," says the official website of the US government. The fighter jet has all-weather capability which allows it to bomb targets even in non-visual bombing conditions. The 'flying falcon' can withstand upto 9Gs - nine times the force of gravity. Very few fighter aircrafts in the world can boast of this. F-16 packs major firepower as it can carry two 2000 pound bombs, two AIM-120, two AIM-9 in addition to two 2400 pound external fuel tanks. It has a maximum speed of 1500 mph (Mach-2) Why does Ukraine want F-16 fighters? Ukraine has a small air force. At the start of the war, almost all fighter planes Ukraine had were old, Soviet-standard fighters. Ukraine had about 120 combat-capable planes. Media reports suggest that the number has fallen as the war has continued. Ukraine does have air capability, but it just might not be enough to effectively defend or attack. F-16 fighter jet is far superior to jets currently in Ukraine's fleet. Ukraine hasn't used much airpower since the start of the war. F-16 can change that. Even Russia has been reluctant to use its fighter jets much beyond the frontier, it is considered that Russian air defence systems are effective and it would be hard for current fleet of Ukrainian fighter jet to evade Russians and mount an attack that makes a difference. Why is US reluctant to directly provide F-16 jets? Although the Western countries have rallied to help Ukraine, the overall approach has been to contain and even cease the hostilities. Ukraine war has had non-military ramifications like grain shortage, fuel crisis and more. And with nuclear threats coming out from the Russian camp periodically, no one would want an escalation. Providing F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine would not only be just an act of military help, it would carry symbolism beyond that. With F-16 in its ranks, the battlefield equation may change in Ukraine's favour, in the air combat to start with. Supply of F-16s from US to Ukraine would thus enrage Russia and currently its further steps can only be speculated. China has been providing diplomatic cover to Russia and largely stood behind it. Though China maintains that a diplomatic solution should be reached, fact remains that it has lent support to Russia. Escalation of Ukraine war with Russia and China coming together in greater degree would certainly not be contributive to resolving the situation peacefully. So no hopes for Ukraine after all? Although US is dragging feet on the issue of F-16s, all is not lost for Ukraine as Europe is giving it some hope. On Sunday (August 20) the Netherlands and Denmark committed to providing F-16s to Ukraine. Prime ministers of both the countries gave Ukrainian President Volodymy Zelensky this assuarance as he travelled to the two countries to meet the premiers. It has been assured that first deliveries will be due around New Year. Such a transfer has got a green signal from the US. “The Netherlands and Denmark commit to transfer F-16s to Ukraine once the conditions for such a transfer have been met,” said the Dutch PM Mark Rutte. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reaffirmed support for Ukraine and said that Denmark with deliver 19 jets in total and first six jets will be shipped to Ukraine around New Year. She added that this will be followed by eight in 2024 and five in year next to that. The Danish PM said over 70 Ukrainian military officials had arrived in Denmark for training. Ukraine said that it expects several dozens of pilots to be trained but it was not immediately clear how many pilots had arrived in Denmark. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Explained | Why was US unsure about giving F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine?

<p>An international programme to train Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 fighter jets is still being drawn up by Western countries and the length of such a course could vary depending on the pilots' prior training and language skills, Denmark said on Tuesday.</p>

<p>NATO members Denmark and the Netherlands are leading efforts by an international coalition to train pilots and support staff, maintain aircraft and ultimately supply F-16s to Ukraine.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-adds-russia-to-its-list-of-shame-over-ukraine-war-heres-why-607614">UN adds Russia to its ‘list of shame’ over Ukraine war: Here’s why</a></strong></p>

<p>"The dialogue and planning of this is still ongoing, which is why there is no final plan yet," Denmark's defence ministry said in a statement to Reuters.</p>

<p>Kyiv, which has launched a counteroffensive against Russian forces, has repeatedly called for Western countries to supply aircraft and train its pilots to fly them, to successfully counter Moscow's aerial dominance.</p>

<p>So far, no countries have committed to sending F-16s to Ukraine, though Poland and Slovakia have supplied 27 MiG-29s to supplement Ukraine's fleet.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine claims heavy fighting in Zaporizhzhia region</strong></p>

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<p>Denmark expects to be able to train up to six Ukrainian pilots at a time, along with up to 40 soldiers for preparation and maintenance work, the defence ministry said.</p>

<p>The ministry could not say how long it would take to finish the training. "It depends on their fighter experience and language skills," it said.</p>

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An international programme to train Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 fighter jets is still being drawn up by Western countries and the length of such a course could vary depending on the pilots' prior training and language skills, Denmark said on Tuesday.

An international programme to train Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 fighter jets is still being drawn up by Western countries and the length of such a course could vary depending on the pilots' prior training and language skills, Denmark said on Tuesday. NATO members Denmark and the Netherlands are leading efforts by an international coalition to train pilots and support staff, maintain aircraft and ultimately supply F-16s to Ukraine. ALSO READ UN adds Russia to its ‘list of shame’ over Ukraine war: Here’s why "The dialogue and planning of this is still ongoing, which is why there is no final plan yet," Denmark's defence ministry said in a statement to Reuters. Kyiv, which has launched a counteroffensive against Russian forces, has repeatedly called for Western countries to supply aircraft and train its pilots to fly them, to successfully counter Moscow's aerial dominance. So far, no countries have committed to sending F-16s to Ukraine, though Poland and Slovakia have supplied 27 MiG-29s to supplement Ukraine's fleet. WATCH Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine claims heavy fighting in Zaporizhzhia region × Denmark expects to be able to train up to six Ukrainian pilots at a time, along with up to 40 soldiers for preparation and maintenance work, the defence ministry said. The ministry could not say how long it would take to finish the training. "It depends on their fighter experience and language skills," it said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Plan to train Ukrainian F-16 pilots still in work

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<p>A sonic boom rattled Washington on Sunday (June 4) as two F-16 fighter jets were scrambling to intercept an unresponsive aircraft that later crashed in Virginia. The F-16s responded to an unresponsive Cessna 560 Citation V aircraft over Washington, DC, and northern Virginia, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) said in a statement. Speaking to the news agency Reuters, a person familiar with developments said that four people were on board the Cessna.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the aircraft took off from the Elizabethton Municipal Airport in Elizabethton, Tennessee, and was bound for Long Island MacArthur Airport in New York, about 80 kilometres east of Manhattan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The aircraft appeared to reach the New York area and made nearly a 180-degree turn, with the flight ending in Virginia. The police said they were searching for the wreckage but were yet to find it.</p>

<h2><strong>'We know nothing about the crash'</strong></h2>

<p>Public records showed the Cessna was registered to Florida-based company Encore Motors of Melbourne. John Rumpel, the company's owner, told The Washington Post his "entire family" was onboard, including his daughter, a grandchild, and her nanny.</p>

<p>"We know nothing about the crash," he said. "We are talking to the FAA now... I've got to keep the line clear."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🚨🇺🇸 Breaking News<br />
Footage of the Washington DC sonic boom is slowly coming in.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Biden?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Biden</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/US?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#US</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Trump?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Trump</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Washington?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Washington</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WashingtonDC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WashingtonDC</a><a href="https://t.co/rRaceIUMFb">pic.twitter.com/rRaceIUMFb</a></p>
— Eren 𝕮🇹🇷 (@Eren50855570) <a href="https://twitter.com/Eren50855570/status/1665472799132073987?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>NORAD said the aircraft crashed near the George Washington National Forest in Virginia, though the FAA earlier said it crashed into mountainous terrain in a sparsely populated area of southwest Virginia. It added the US military tried to establish contact with the pilot until the aircraft crashed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The NORAD aircraft were authorized to travel at supersonic speeds and a sonic boom may have been heard by residents of the region," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The condition of those onboard was not known yet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rumpel, who is also a pilot, said that his family members were returning home to East Hampton, N.Y., after a four-day visit to his home in North Carolina. Speaking to The New York Times, Rumple, his voice breaking, said if the aircraft lost pressurisation, “they all just would have gone to sleep and never woke up.”</p>

<p>“It descended at 20,000 feet a minute, and nobody could survive a crash from that speed,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Aircraft appeared to be flying on autopilot; Biden briefed on incident</strong></h2>

<p>Another person familiar with developments told Reuters on Sunday that the Cessna appeared to be flying on autopilot, and a US official said that the F-16s did not cause the crash. US President Joe Biden, who was at the White House and also played golf Sunday, was briefed on the incident, another official said without specifying whether any emergency precautions were implemented due to the incident.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A sonic boom rattled Washington on Sunday (June 4) as two F-16 fighter jets were scrambling to intercept an unresponsive aircraft that later crashed in Virginia.

A sonic boom rattled Washington on Sunday (June 4) as two F-16 fighter jets were scrambling to intercept an unresponsive aircraft that later crashed in Virginia. The F-16s responded to an unresponsive Cessna 560 Citation V aircraft over Washington, DC, and northern Virginia, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) said in a statement. Speaking to the news agency Reuters, a person familiar with developments said that four people were on board the Cessna. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the aircraft took off from the Elizabethton Municipal Airport in Elizabethton, Tennessee, and was bound for Long Island MacArthur Airport in New York, about 80 kilometres east of Manhattan. The aircraft appeared to reach the New York area and made nearly a 180-degree turn, with the flight ending in Virginia. The police said they were searching for the wreckage but were yet to find it. 'We know nothing about the crash' Public records showed the Cessna was registered to Florida-based company Encore Motors of Melbourne. John Rumpel, the company's owner, told The Washington Post his "entire family" was onboard, including his daughter, a grandchild, and her nanny. "We know nothing about the crash," he said. "We are talking to the FAA now... I've got to keep the line clear." 🚨🇺🇸 Breaking News Footage of the Washington DC sonic boom is slowly coming in.#Biden #US #Trump #Washington #WashingtonDCpic.twitter.com/rRaceIUMFb — Eren 𝕮🇹🇷 (@Eren50855570) June 4, 2023 × NORAD said the aircraft crashed near the George Washington National Forest in Virginia, though the FAA earlier said it crashed into mountainous terrain in a sparsely populated area of southwest Virginia. It added the US military tried to establish contact with the pilot until the aircraft crashed. "The NORAD aircraft were authorized to travel at supersonic speeds and a sonic boom may have been heard by residents of the region," it added. The condition of those onboard was not known yet. Rumpel, who is also a pilot, said that his family members were returning home to East Hampton, N.Y., after a four-day visit to his home in North Carolina. Speaking to The New York Times, Rumple, his voice breaking, said if the aircraft lost pressurisation, “they all just would have gone to sleep and never woke up.” “It descended at 20,000 feet a minute, and nobody could survive a crash from that speed,” he added. Aircraft appeared to be flying on autopilot; Biden briefed on incident Another person familiar with developments told Reuters on Sunday that the Cessna appeared to be flying on autopilot, and a US official said that the F-16s did not cause the crash. US President Joe Biden, who was at the White House and also played golf Sunday, was briefed on the incident, another official said without specifying whether any emergency precautions were implemented due to the incident. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US: Sonic boom echoes over Washington as fighter jets chase small aircraft before it crashes

<p>With much bravado, the West has come together to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets and the United States has given a green signal as well. But why is the US asking European allies to supply American-made jets to Ukraine instead of doing so on its own? And why are Western nations so eager to hand over their F-16s to Ukraine? All the optics aside, what is the F-16 coalition? What is the West’s F-16 game plan?&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>THE SO-CALLED 'F-16 COALITION'&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>A coalition of European countries is gearing up to help Ukraine operate US-built F-16 fighter jets. They will train Ukrainian pilots to fly these beasts and will eventually supply the jets to Ukraine. The United Kingdom and the Netherlands formed the coalition on May 16, 2023. Belgium, Denmark and Poland have all shown similar interest.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The United Kingdom remains one of the Netherlands’ key partners. In Reykjavík I spoke to Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/RishiSunak?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RishiSunak</a> about the issues we’re working on together and, of course, about our ongoing joint support for Ukraine in the face of the terrible Russian aggression. <a href="https://t.co/M8ItmkElWh">pic.twitter.com/M8ItmkElWh</a></p>
— Mark Rutte (@MinPres) <a href="https://twitter.com/MinPres/status/1658547145891274753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>WHEN WILL UKRAINE GET F-16s?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Training pilots for a new jet can take well over a year, but a recent US Air Force report indicated that the training for Ukrainian pilots on the F-16 can in fact be completed in just four months</p>

<p>But when exactly will Ukraine receive the F-16s? Well, pardon the pun, but it's still up in the air.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>OLD STOCK DUMPING?</strong></h2>

<p>Most Western nations like the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway and Poland are in the process of phasing out their F-16s now. They will be replaced with the more advanced American F-35 Lightning II fighter jets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So when the US encourages Western allies to support Ukraine, they’re essentially dumping their old fleet of retired F-16s onto Ukraine to buy new ones.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Guess who will benefit? It's a no-brainer. The US military complex will continue to thrive with more sales of fighter jets. Lockheed Martin’s COO, Frank St. John spoke to Financial Times and mentioned that Lockheed Martin will "ramp up production of F-16s in Greenville (South Carolina) to get to where we can backfill pretty capably any countries that choose to do third-party transfers to help with the current conflict".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch this report:</strong>&nbsp;</p>

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<h2><strong>F-16 FLEET FOR UKRAINE: A SUICIDE MISSION?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Just evaluate the situation – on one side you have Ukrainian pilots flying F-16 jets rejected by the West, also with bare minimum pilot training.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And on the other hand, you have Russia equipped with the S-400 surface-to-air missile defence system, against which the F-16s will probably not stand a chance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In any case, some military experts have said F-16s are not going to be a game changer, despite all the brouhaha. Having said that, it's clear the Russians will surely see Ukraine’s F-16 usage as an escalation and could deploy its own jets in retaliation which are far superior.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Do you also feel it's going to be a suicide mission for Ukraine?</p>

<p><em><strong>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

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With much bravado, the West has come together to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets and the United States has given a green signal as well. But why is the US asking European allies to supply American-made jets to Ukraine instead of doing so on its own?

With much bravado, the West has come together to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets and the United States has given a green signal as well. But why is the US asking European allies to supply American-made jets to Ukraine instead of doing so on its own? And why are Western nations so eager to hand over their F-16s to Ukraine? All the optics aside, what is the F-16 coalition? What is the West’s F-16 game plan? THE SO-CALLED 'F-16 COALITION' A coalition of European countries is gearing up to help Ukraine operate US-built F-16 fighter jets. They will train Ukrainian pilots to fly these beasts and will eventually supply the jets to Ukraine. The United Kingdom and the Netherlands formed the coalition on May 16, 2023. Belgium, Denmark and Poland have all shown similar interest. The United Kingdom remains one of the Netherlands’ key partners. In Reykjavík I spoke to Prime Minister @RishiSunak about the issues we’re working on together and, of course, about our ongoing joint support for Ukraine in the face of the terrible Russian aggression. pic.twitter.com/M8ItmkElWh — Mark Rutte (@MinPres) May 16, 2023 × WHEN WILL UKRAINE GET F-16s? Training pilots for a new jet can take well over a year, but a recent US Air Force report indicated that the training for Ukrainian pilots on the F-16 can in fact be completed in just four months But when exactly will Ukraine receive the F-16s? Well, pardon the pun, but it's still up in the air. OLD STOCK DUMPING? Most Western nations like the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway and Poland are in the process of phasing out their F-16s now. They will be replaced with the more advanced American F-35 Lightning II fighter jets. So when the US encourages Western allies to support Ukraine, they’re essentially dumping their old fleet of retired F-16s onto Ukraine to buy new ones. Guess who will benefit? It's a no-brainer. The US military complex will continue to thrive with more sales of fighter jets. Lockheed Martin’s COO, Frank St. John spoke to Financial Times and mentioned that Lockheed Martin will "ramp up production of F-16s in Greenville (South Carolina) to get to where we can backfill pretty capably any countries that choose to do third-party transfers to help with the current conflict". Watch this report: × F-16 FLEET FOR UKRAINE: A SUICIDE MISSION? Just evaluate the situation – on one side you have Ukrainian pilots flying F-16 jets rejected by the West, also with bare minimum pilot training. And on the other hand, you have Russia equipped with the S-400 surface-to-air missile defence system, against which the F-16s will probably not stand a chance. In any case, some military experts have said F-16s are not going to be a game changer, despite all the brouhaha. Having said that, it's clear the Russians will surely see Ukraine’s F-16 usage as an escalation and could deploy its own jets in retaliation which are far superior. Do you also feel it's going to be a suicide mission for Ukraine? (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

F-16 fighter jet coalition: Is the West preparing Ukraine for a suicide mission?

In first days of the Ukraine war, Turkey emerged as an irreplaceable mediator between Moscow & Kyiv, as western nations were not enthusiastic about talking to Putin. The growing importance of Turkey's defence industry has made it an important player which directly affects western interests. the Turkish-made Bayraktar tb-2 armed drones have proven themselves very effective in multiple conflicts in the past years.

US President Biden & his Turkey counterpart Erdogan discuss F-16, Sweden in NATO

As the war in Ukraine rages on, experts believe this conflict will last for decades. Recently, Russia took control of Bakhmut in a blood-filled capture. It also faced a 'sabotage-attack'. Meanwhile, Ukraine's dream of getting F-16 jets got a green signal at the G7 summit. But who will be providing these jets to Kyiv? Listen in to Vikram Chandra.

Ukraine war: Who will donate F-16 jets to Kyiv? | Is Russia preparing to use its nukes?

After the United States gave a green signal to its allies on the supply of F-16 Fighter jets to Ukraine, Russia's ambassadors to United States Anatoly Antonov has said that this transfer would raise questions of NATO involvement Ukraine-Russia conflict

Russia-Ukraine war: Why does Ukraine wants F-16 jets?  |

NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg defended the groups call to train Ukrainian pilots on the F-16 fighter jets. This comes after the European Union's Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell said that training for Ukrainian pilots had already begun in Poland and some other countries as well. The NATO Chief further called Russia-Ukraine conflict a wall of aggression and said that Ukraine has the right to defend itself.

EU begins training of Ukrainian on F-16 fighter jets in Poland

The transfer of F-16s to Ukraine stirs worldwide debate

In a big boost for Kyiv, the US says it will permit its Western partners to provide Ukraine with cutting-edge fighter jets, including American-made F-16s. President Joe Biden "informed his G7 counterparts" of the decision at the group's summit on Friday in Japan, according to national security adviser Jake Sullivan.

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine focuses on upping its air defence systems

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World at War: United States green signals to pump in F-16 fighter jets to fight Russia

<p>Taiwan Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said on Thursday that the delivery of 66 advanced new F-16Vs from the United States has been delayed due to supply chain disruptions and the ministry was working to minimise the damage and "make up for deficiencies".</p>

<p>The United States in 2019 approved an eight billion dollar sale of Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N) F-16 fighter jets to Taiwan, a deal that would take the island's F-16 fleet to more than 200 jets, the largest in Asia, to strengthen its defences in the face of a stepped-up threat from China, which claims Taiwan as its own.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagner-leader-says-ukraine-counter-offensive-has-begun-death-toll-from-kherson-shelling-rises-to-21-588678">Wagner leader says Ukraine counter-offensive has begun; Death toll from Kherson shelling rises to 21</a></p>

<p>Taiwan has been converting 141 F-16A/B jets into the F-16V type and has in addition ordered 66 new F-16Vs, which have new avionics, weapons and radar systems to better face down the Chinese air force, including its J-20 stealth fighter.</p>

<p>The first of the new F-16Vs was meant to be delivered in the fourth quarter of this year but that has been delayed to the third quarter of next year due to pandemic-related supply chain disruptions, the ministry said.</p>

<p>Speaking to reporters at parliament, Chiu said Taiwan had asked the United States to "make up the deficiency", including prioritising spare part deliveries for the existing fleet.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-14-killed-25-injured-after-road-accident-in-egypt-588676">At least 14 killed, 25 injured after road accident in Egypt: Reports</a></p>

<p>"Multiple channels are being used, and we are minimising the damage from this," he said, adding they still expected to get the full order delivered before 2026.</p>

<p>The ministry is using diplomatic channels, such as via the de facto U.S. embassy in Taipei, to resolve the problem, Chiu said.</p>

<p>Neither the de facto embassy, the American Institute in Taiwan, nor Lockheed Martin immediately responded to a request for comment.</p>

<p>Taiwan has since last year complained of delays to U.S. weapons deliveries, such as Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, as manufacturers turn supplies to Ukraine as it battles invading Russian forces, and the issue has concerned U.S. lawmakers.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Iran seizes Panama-flagged oil tanker in Tehran on judicial order | World News | WION</strong></p>

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<p>Michael McCaul, chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, said during a visit to Taipei last month he was doing everything possible to speed up arms deliveries.</p>

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Taiwan Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said on Thursday that the delivery of 66 advanced new F-16Vs from the United States has been delayed due to supply chain disruptions and the ministry was working to minimise the damage and "make up for deficiencies".

Taiwan Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said on Thursday that the delivery of 66 advanced new F-16Vs from the United States has been delayed due to supply chain disruptions and the ministry was working to minimise the damage and "make up for deficiencies". The United States in 2019 approved an eight billion dollar sale of Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N) F-16 fighter jets to Taiwan, a deal that would take the island's F-16 fleet to more than 200 jets, the largest in Asia, to strengthen its defences in the face of a stepped-up threat from China, which claims Taiwan as its own. Also Read | Wagner leader says Ukraine counter-offensive has begun; Death toll from Kherson shelling rises to 21 Taiwan has been converting 141 F-16A/B jets into the F-16V type and has in addition ordered 66 new F-16Vs, which have new avionics, weapons and radar systems to better face down the Chinese air force, including its J-20 stealth fighter. The first of the new F-16Vs was meant to be delivered in the fourth quarter of this year but that has been delayed to the third quarter of next year due to pandemic-related supply chain disruptions, the ministry said. Speaking to reporters at parliament, Chiu said Taiwan had asked the United States to "make up the deficiency", including prioritising spare part deliveries for the existing fleet. Also Read | At least 14 killed, 25 injured after road accident in Egypt: Reports "Multiple channels are being used, and we are minimising the damage from this," he said, adding they still expected to get the full order delivered before 2026. The ministry is using diplomatic channels, such as via the de facto U.S. embassy in Taipei, to resolve the problem, Chiu said. Neither the de facto embassy, the American Institute in Taiwan, nor Lockheed Martin immediately responded to a request for comment. Taiwan has since last year complained of delays to U.S. weapons deliveries, such as Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, as manufacturers turn supplies to Ukraine as it battles invading Russian forces, and the issue has concerned U.S. lawmakers. Watch | Iran seizes Panama-flagged oil tanker in Tehran on judicial order | World News | WION × Michael McCaul, chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, said during a visit to Taipei last month he was doing everything possible to speed up arms deliveries. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Taiwan says F-16 deliveries delayed, working to minimise damage

As the war in Ukraine is raging, two Ukrainian pilots are undergoing an evaluation in the US. They are being assessed to see how long they would take to fly fighter aircraft including F-16s. This is a sharp hint that Ukraine might soon get fighter jets in its arsenal, which has been denied until now by the Western allies.

Ukrainian pilots undergo evaluation program to see how long they would take for flying fighter jets

Despite the U.S. and allies’ continued efforts to bolster the Ukrainians, there are no signs of an endgame in the war. The conflict seems destined to enter an even more complicated phase in the months ahead. After tanks and long-range missiles, Zelensky is gunning for F-16s, but there is no consensus among Western allies.

Why Ukraine is unlikely to get F-16 fighters anytime soon | Details

Biden: The U.S. military have deemed other support more crucial

<p>A bipartisan group of senators in the US Congress \said that Washington will not support the $20 billion sale of F-16 fighter jets to Türkiye&nbsp;until Ankara ratifies the NATO memberships of Sweden and Finland. Last year, after President Vladimir Putin of Russia launched 'special military operations' against Ukraine that soon shaped into a full-fledged war, Sweden and Helsinki sought to join trans-Atlantic defence pact. It soon faced resistance from Türkiye that continues till present.</p>

<h2><strong>Why </strong>Türkiye<strong> is opposing Finland, Sweden's NATO bid?</strong></h2>

<p>Ankara wants Helsinki and Stockholm&nbsp;to take a tougher line against the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which is considered a terror group by Türkiye and the European Union. Türkiye also wants the&nbsp;two countries to geopolitically assert against&nbsp;another group it blames for a 2016 coup attempt.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH</strong>&nbsp;|<strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sweden-awaits-turkiyes-approval-to-join-nato-550578">Sweden awaits Turkiye's approval to join NATO</a></strong></p>

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<p>The three nations reached an agreement on a way forward in Madrid last June. Last month, however, after a Danish politician in Stockholm burned a copy of the holy book Quran,&nbsp;Ankara suspended the talks.</p>

<h2><strong>Finland, Sweden's NATO bid</strong><b>:&nbsp;</b><strong>What did bipartisan group of US senators say?</strong></h2>

<p>In a letter to President Joe Biden, 29 Democratic and Republican senators said that Finland and Sweden&nbsp;were making "full and good faith efforts" to meet the conditions for NATO membership that Turkiye&nbsp;asked.</p>

<p>Ankara, however, says that Sweden needs to do more.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ&nbsp;</strong>|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-lawmaker-strongly-objects-to-f-16-sale-to-turkiye-552499"><strong>US lawmaker strongly objects to F-16 sale to Turkiye</strong></a></p>

<p>"Once the NATO accession protocols are ratified by Turkiye, Congress can consider the sale of F-16 fighter jets. A failure to do so, however, would call into question this pending sale," the senators wrote.</p>

<p>It was the first time Congress explicitly and directly linked the F-16 sale to Turkey with the NATO accession bids of the two Nordic countries.</p>

<p>Turkiye&nbsp;has said it could approve Finland's NATO membership application ahead of Sweden's. However, leaders of Finland and Sweden&nbsp;have&nbsp;rejected this idea, saying&nbsp;that the security of the two Nordic countries is mutually dependent.</p>

<p>Of NATO's 30 members, only Turkiye&nbsp;and Hungary have yet to ratify the Nordic countries' memberships.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A bipartisan group of senators in the US Congress \said that Washington will not support the $20 billion sale of F-16 fighter jets to Türkiye until Ankara ratifies the NATO memberships of Sweden and Finland.

A bipartisan group of senators in the US Congress \said that Washington will not support the $20 billion sale of F-16 fighter jets to Türkiye until Ankara ratifies the NATO memberships of Sweden and Finland. Last year, after President Vladimir Putin of Russia launched 'special military operations' against Ukraine that soon shaped into a full-fledged war, Sweden and Helsinki sought to join trans-Atlantic defence pact. It soon faced resistance from Türkiye that continues till present. Why Türkiye is opposing Finland, Sweden's NATO bid? Ankara wants Helsinki and Stockholm to take a tougher line against the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which is considered a terror group by Türkiye and the European Union. Türkiye also wants the two countries to geopolitically assert against another group it blames for a 2016 coup attempt. ALSO WATCH | Sweden awaits Turkiye's approval to join NATO × The three nations reached an agreement on a way forward in Madrid last June. Last month, however, after a Danish politician in Stockholm burned a copy of the holy book Quran, Ankara suspended the talks. Finland, Sweden's NATO bid: What did bipartisan group of US senators say? In a letter to President Joe Biden, 29 Democratic and Republican senators said that Finland and Sweden were making "full and good faith efforts" to meet the conditions for NATO membership that Turkiye asked. Ankara, however, says that Sweden needs to do more. ALSO READ | US lawmaker strongly objects to F-16 sale to Turkiye "Once the NATO accession protocols are ratified by Turkiye, Congress can consider the sale of F-16 fighter jets. A failure to do so, however, would call into question this pending sale," the senators wrote. It was the first time Congress explicitly and directly linked the F-16 sale to Turkey with the NATO accession bids of the two Nordic countries. Turkiye has said it could approve Finland's NATO membership application ahead of Sweden's. However, leaders of Finland and Sweden have rejected this idea, saying that the security of the two Nordic countries is mutually dependent. Of NATO's 30 members, only Turkiye and Hungary have yet to ratify the Nordic countries' memberships. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US Congress says F-16 sale to Türkiye only if Ankara lets Finland, Sweden join NATO

<p>US President Joe Biden said Monday the United States would not provide F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine as Kyiv demands more weaponry and air support to be better able to fight the Russian forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Biden simply replied with a "no" when a reporter asked him at the White House&nbsp;if the US would be sending F16s or other planes to Ukraine. This comes a day after Germany also ruled out sending fighter jets.</p>

<p>Notably, US, Germany and more countries last week agreed to send heavy battle tanks to Kyiv. While Berlin is sending Leopard 2 tanks, US will be providing its most advanced tanks, M1 Abrams, to Kyiv.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tank-delivery-promises-by-the-west-perceived-as-direct-involvement-kremlin-556204">Russia criticises West for giving tanks to Ukraine</a></p>

<p>Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister, Andrii Melnyk, welcomed the decision on tanks, but asked western allies to create a "fighter jet coalition" that would provide them with Eurofighters, Tornados, French Rafales and Swedish Gripen jets.</p>

<p>Ukraine says that the jets will help it gain back control of its airspace. Several European countries are open to the idea of providing the jets to Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday he would not rule out giving fighter aircraft, but warned against the risk of escalation in the conflict.</p>

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<p>Analysts say that both Ukraine and Russia might be preparing for significant offensive movements in the coming months. Western aircraft will boost Kyiv's strength tremendously, especially considering that its own air force has significantly depleted by 11 months of war.</p>

<p>German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has termed the matter of sending more military aid as "frivolous" since they had just committed to sending the heavy tanks</p>

<p>Scholz also clarified to the German newspaper Tagesspiegel that the NATO military alliance was not at war with Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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US President Joe Biden said Monday the United States would not provide F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine as Kyiv demands more weaponry and air support to be better able to fight the Russian forces.

US President Joe Biden said Monday the United States would not provide F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine as Kyiv demands more weaponry and air support to be better able to fight the Russian forces. Biden simply replied with a "no" when a reporter asked him at the White House if the US would be sending F16s or other planes to Ukraine. This comes a day after Germany also ruled out sending fighter jets. Notably, US, Germany and more countries last week agreed to send heavy battle tanks to Kyiv. While Berlin is sending Leopard 2 tanks, US will be providing its most advanced tanks, M1 Abrams, to Kyiv. Also Read | Russia criticises West for giving tanks to Ukraine Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister, Andrii Melnyk, welcomed the decision on tanks, but asked western allies to create a "fighter jet coalition" that would provide them with Eurofighters, Tornados, French Rafales and Swedish Gripen jets. Ukraine says that the jets will help it gain back control of its airspace. Several European countries are open to the idea of providing the jets to Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday he would not rule out giving fighter aircraft, but warned against the risk of escalation in the conflict. × Analysts say that both Ukraine and Russia might be preparing for significant offensive movements in the coming months. Western aircraft will boost Kyiv's strength tremendously, especially considering that its own air force has significantly depleted by 11 months of war. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has termed the matter of sending more military aid as "frivolous" since they had just committed to sending the heavy tanks Scholz also clarified to the German newspaper Tagesspiegel that the NATO military alliance was not at war with Russia. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Biden says US won't be sending F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine

<p>A senior US lawmaker has opposed Biden administration's plans to sell USD 20 billion worth of F-16 fighter jets to Turkiye, Reuters said quoting sources. US State Department has sent an informal notice to Congress about the sale.</p>

<p>Turkiye, a member of NATO, has requested purchase of 40 Lockheed Martin Corp F-16 fighter jets and about 80 modernisation kits for its current warplanes.</p>

<p>The Biden administration has said it supports the sale and has been in touch for months with Congress on an informal basis to win its approval. However, it has failed so far to secure a green light.</p>

<p>"As I have repeatedly made clear, I strongly oppose the Biden administration’s proposed sale of new F-16 aircraft to Turkey," Senator Bob Menendez, Democratic chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in a statement.</p>

<p>The sale is still in the informal review process. However, US Congress is unlikely to approve the sale as long as Turkiye remains opposed to Finland and Sweden's NATO membership.</p>

<p>The two countries ended decades of neutrality last May and applied to join NATO in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but Turkey objected and accused the countries of harboring militants, including from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and demanded steps be taken.</p>

<p><strong>TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTER HEADING TO WASHINGTON</strong></p>

<p>The notification, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, comes as Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu prepares to visit Washington on Wednesday for talks as the two NATO allies struggle with a host of disagreements including over Syria and weapons purchases.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-opens-investigation-into-erdogan-effigy-burning-incident-sweden-calls-it-an-act-of-sabotage-552479">Türkiye opens investigation into Erdogan effigy burning incident in Sweden</a></strong></p>

<p>Following the informal review, a process during which committee leaders can ask questions or raise concerns about the sale, the administration can technically go ahead with a formal notification. But a senior U.S. official said he was "doubtful" the administration would be in a position to proceed unless Menendez dropped his objection.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A senior US lawmaker has opposed Biden administration's plans to sell USD 20 billion worth of F-16 fighter jets to Turkiye, Reuters said quoting sources. US State Department has sent an informal notice to Congress about the sale.

A senior US lawmaker has opposed Biden administration's plans to sell USD 20 billion worth of F-16 fighter jets to Turkiye, Reuters said quoting sources. US State Department has sent an informal notice to Congress about the sale. Turkiye, a member of NATO, has requested purchase of 40 Lockheed Martin Corp F-16 fighter jets and about 80 modernisation kits for its current warplanes. The Biden administration has said it supports the sale and has been in touch for months with Congress on an informal basis to win its approval. However, it has failed so far to secure a green light. "As I have repeatedly made clear, I strongly oppose the Biden administration’s proposed sale of new F-16 aircraft to Turkey," Senator Bob Menendez, Democratic chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in a statement. The sale is still in the informal review process. However, US Congress is unlikely to approve the sale as long as Turkiye remains opposed to Finland and Sweden's NATO membership. The two countries ended decades of neutrality last May and applied to join NATO in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but Turkey objected and accused the countries of harboring militants, including from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and demanded steps be taken. TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTER HEADING TO WASHINGTON The notification, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, comes as Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu prepares to visit Washington on Wednesday for talks as the two NATO allies struggle with a host of disagreements including over Syria and weapons purchases. Also Read | Türkiye opens investigation into Erdogan effigy burning incident in Sweden Following the informal review, a process during which committee leaders can ask questions or raise concerns about the sale, the administration can technically go ahead with a formal notification. But a senior U.S. official said he was "doubtful" the administration would be in a position to proceed unless Menendez dropped his objection. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US lawmaker strongly objects to F-16 sale to Turkiye

Two F-16 fighter jets escorted the Polish soccer team on Thursday as the group headed to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup.

Watch: Polish football team escorted by F-16 jets for FIFA World Cup in Qatar

<p>Responding to Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar’s criticism against the US providing a multimillion-dollar security package to Pakistan, the Biden administration defended its decision, saying Washington doesn’t view its ties with New Delhi&nbsp;and Islamabad "in relation to one another”.</p>

<p>"We don't view our relationship with Pakistan... our relationship with India... in relation to one another... both partners of ours with different points of emphasis...," state department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters.</p>

<p>"We look to both as partners, because we do have in many cases shared values. We do have in many cases shared interests. And the relationship we have with India stands on its own. The relationship we have with Pakistan stands on its own," he said.</p>

<p>Jaishankar on Sunday had lashed out at the US for providing a $450 million package to Pakistan for technical and logistics services for follow-on support of F-16 fighter jet fleets.</p>

<p>The F-16 jets were first provided by the US to Pakistan as a reward for its assistance in the first Afghan war.</p>

<p>The decision to provide military aid to Pakistan incensed India as the F-16 was used against Indian warplanes following the 2019 Balakot air strikes — a bombing raid conducted by Indian Air Force in Pakistan-occupied territory Balakot against terrorist training camps.</p>

<p>Speaking at a community event in Washington, DC, Jaishankar referred to an argument made by the US that the F-16 sustenance package is to fight terrorism.</p>

<p>“Everybody knows where and against whom F-16 fighter jets are used. You're not fooling anybody by saying these things."</p>

<p>“Very honestly, it is a relationship that has ended up serving neither Pakistan nor serving American interests well... for the US to reflect what the merits of the relationship [are] and what they get by keeping it sort of continuing," Jaishankar had said.</p>

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Responding to Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar’s criticism against the US providing a multimillion-dollar security package to Pakistan, the Biden administration defended its decision, saying Washington doesn’t view its ties with New Delhi and Islamabad "in relation to one another”.

Responding to Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar’s criticism against the US providing a multimillion-dollar security package to Pakistan, the Biden administration defended its decision, saying Washington doesn’t view its ties with New Delhi and Islamabad "in relation to one another”. "We don't view our relationship with Pakistan... our relationship with India... in relation to one another... both partners of ours with different points of emphasis...," state department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters. "We look to both as partners, because we do have in many cases shared values. We do have in many cases shared interests. And the relationship we have with India stands on its own. The relationship we have with Pakistan stands on its own," he said. Jaishankar on Sunday had lashed out at the US for providing a $450 million package to Pakistan for technical and logistics services for follow-on support of F-16 fighter jet fleets. The F-16 jets were first provided by the US to Pakistan as a reward for its assistance in the first Afghan war. The decision to provide military aid to Pakistan incensed India as the F-16 was used against Indian warplanes following the 2019 Balakot air strikes — a bombing raid conducted by Indian Air Force in Pakistan-occupied territory Balakot against terrorist training camps. Speaking at a community event in Washington, DC, Jaishankar referred to an argument made by the US that the F-16 sustenance package is to fight terrorism. “Everybody knows where and against whom F-16 fighter jets are used. You're not fooling anybody by saying these things." “Very honestly, it is a relationship that has ended up serving neither Pakistan nor serving American interests well... for the US to reflect what the merits of the relationship [are] and what they get by keeping it sort of continuing," Jaishankar had said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

F-16 package to Pakistan: US responds to Indian foreign minister Jaishankar’s critical remarks

<p paraeid="{3235a6a1-6268-447e-9813-dff3736402e5}{161}" paraid="684279168">Pakistan's official language is Urdu, and when it comes to reading US foreign policy on the country, it is best to read it like the language's script: from the right to the left. Power comes first, democracy later.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{790a65c1-a0ac-4727-aa97-ef9f4b1462a8}{248}" paraid="1242615240" >As Uncle Sam offers $450 million to maintain F-16 fighter jets to a nation that has often been accused of harbouring or encouraging terrorism, it does smell of great irony when the somewhat lapsed superpower cites countering terrorism as one of the stated objectives for the aid package. To understand this, we must understand both America and Pakistan with a sense of detail.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{790a65c1-a0ac-4727-aa97-ef9f4b1462a8}{251}" paraid="1648130514" >But first, let us see what has changed for India, whose foreign minister Subrahamanyam Jaishankar minced no words as he lambasted Washington with a who-do-you-think-you-are-trying-to-fool attitude, inviting a State Department response that the US does not view Pakistan through an Indian lens.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{790a65c1-a0ac-4727-aa97-ef9f4b1462a8}{251}" paraid="1648130514" >Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/f-16-aid-to-pakistan-us-responds-to-indian-foreign-minister-jaishankars-critical-remarks-520248">F-16 aid to Pakistan: US responds to Indian foreign minister Jaishankar’s critical remarks</a></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{790a65c1-a0ac-4727-aa97-ef9f4b1462a8}{254}" paraid="264272465" >On the ground, little has changed in India's perception of the US: it is an intimate adversary, with a middling and meddling approach, singing the glories of shared democratic/liberal values and paeans to the virtues of free-market economics even as it footsies with Pakistan, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, depending on an ad-hoc mix of its self-appointed role as a globocop, an agent of Wall Street capitalism and a practitioner of visa protectionism that hurts India's service exports.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{89f38fbe-d2d9-4139-b964-97b35f4e68aa}{2}" paraid="128372071" >What has really changed is that under Dr. Jaishankar, India has skipped elegant diplomatese for sarcasm and a clear calling out of double standards. Much before his F-16 shot, the Minister of External Affairs had taunted&nbsp;the US on its questioning India's purchase of Ukraine-sanctions-tainted Russian oil even as Europe shopped for gas from Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{89f38fbe-d2d9-4139-b964-97b35f4e68aa}{5}" paraid="2079590309" >In a way, this is all diplomacy-as-usual because both India and the US pursue their interests independently. Washington has compromised on democratic values and India has let go of its old Panchsheel principle of opposing interventions into national sovereignty by being publicly neutral on Moscow's invasion of Ukraine under whatever pretext.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{89f38fbe-d2d9-4139-b964-97b35f4e68aa}{5}" paraid="2079590309" >Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-purchases-for-the-month-would-be-less-than-what-europe-does-in-an-afternoon-jaishankar-on-russian-oil-470374">&nbsp;Our purchases for the month would be less than what Europe does in an afternoon: Jaishankar on Russian oil</a></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{89f38fbe-d2d9-4139-b964-97b35f4e68aa}{11}" paraid="883883447" >As an old Hindi/Urdu saying goes: <em>Hamam mei sab nange hain</em>. Everybody is naked in this bathtub.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{89f38fbe-d2d9-4139-b964-97b35f4e68aa}{14}" paraid="1971054187" >Is there a deeper truth in all this but for episodic reiteration of every country pursuing its own interests? There is, for both India and the US, if they are to truly be the strategic allies they want/claim to be. Short-term diplomacy may be in narrow self-interest, but long-term views must align with core principles. India cannot drag its feet for too long as a neutral power even as Russia eats slices of Ukraine as if that country was some Italian pizza. The US, on the other hand, cannot be unconditionally friendly to the Pakistan army without considering its history (and that of its spy arm, the Inter-Services Intelligence) of effectively creating the atavistic Taliban in Afghanistan or of the Pakistani state playing ball with China on everything from business to the Kashmir dispute.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{89f38fbe-d2d9-4139-b964-97b35f4e68aa}{17}" paraid="337721690" >Somewhere along the way, there has to be a joint Indo-US plan in which Pakistan has a role, not a standalone US plan in which India and Pakistan have separate roles. This is for Washington to realise and act on, and for India to drive home.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{89f38fbe-d2d9-4139-b964-97b35f4e68aa}{20}" paraid="595450302" >New Delhi needs to reconcile with the idea that Pakistan, as an increasingly stronger democracy with an English-speaking civil society culture nurtured by British colonialism (and admittedly Indian civilisational roots), is a strange beast that needs special treatment beyond the caricatured desh-ka-dushman (enemy of our country) approach practised by the Narendra Modi government. This requires a painful mix of soft diplomacy, an assertive style and backroom deal-making.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{89f38fbe-d2d9-4139-b964-97b35f4e68aa}{20}" paraid="595450302" >Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-appears-in-public-for-first-time-since-sco-summit-amid-rumours-520401" hreflang="en">Xi Jinping appears in public for first time since SCO Summit</a></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{89f38fbe-d2d9-4139-b964-97b35f4e68aa}{23}" paraid="1663852894" >And yes, this requires a quid-pro-quo from the US in the form of a visible role for India as an international interlocutor, not the patronising mention of India as a South Asian good boy.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{89f38fbe-d2d9-4139-b964-97b35f4e68aa}{26}" paraid="2028193425" >India needs to understand that history may not be favourable for Islamabad's diplomatic gains, but geography most certainly is. Geopolitics certainly beats democratic dalliances, at least in the current phase of international diplomacy. Dr. Jaishankar understands this for sure, but how to drive a deal in such a context is where India's diplomacy is at. This requires deal-making diplomacy, not just biting words.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{89f38fbe-d2d9-4139-b964-97b35f4e68aa}{29}" paraid="1664665530" >What rings true for India, above all this, after all those American handshakes, is a hard truth of foreign policy best expressed in a self-referential couplet by Pakistan's Urdu poet Ahmad Faraz:&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{89f38fbe-d2d9-4139-b964-97b35f4e68aa}{32}" paraid="14198718" ><em>Tum takalluf ko bhi ikhlaas samajhtey ho Faraz&nbsp;</em></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{89f38fbe-d2d9-4139-b964-97b35f4e68aa}{35}" paraid="919430913" ><em>Dost nahi hota har haath milane wala&nbsp;</em></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{89f38fbe-d2d9-4139-b964-97b35f4e68aa}{38}" paraid="1275658590" >(You mistake mere formality for affection, dear Faraz&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{89f38fbe-d2d9-4139-b964-97b35f4e68aa}{41}" paraid="1187897914" >Not everybody who shakes your hand is your friend).&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{89f38fbe-d2d9-4139-b964-97b35f4e68aa}{44}" paraid="885437819" >Pakistanis can teach India some fine diplomacy lessons, for sure.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</strong></em></p>


Pakistan's official language is Urdu, and when it comes to reading US foreign policy on the country, it is best to read it like the language's script: from the right to the left.

Pakistan's official language is Urdu, and when it comes to reading US foreign policy on the country, it is best to read it like the language's script: from the right to the left. Power comes first, democracy later. As Uncle Sam offers $450 million to maintain F-16 fighter jets to a nation that has often been accused of harbouring or encouraging terrorism, it does smell of great irony when the somewhat lapsed superpower cites countering terrorism as one of the stated objectives for the aid package. To understand this, we must understand both America and Pakistan with a sense of detail. But first, let us see what has changed for India, whose foreign minister Subrahamanyam Jaishankar minced no words as he lambasted Washington with a who-do-you-think-you-are-trying-to-fool attitude, inviting a State Department response that the US does not view Pakistan through an Indian lens. Also read | F-16 aid to Pakistan: US responds to Indian foreign minister Jaishankar’s critical remarks On the ground, little has changed in India's perception of the US: it is an intimate adversary, with a middling and meddling approach, singing the glories of shared democratic/liberal values and paeans to the virtues of free-market economics even as it footsies with Pakistan, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, depending on an ad-hoc mix of its self-appointed role as a globocop, an agent of Wall Street capitalism and a practitioner of visa protectionism that hurts India's service exports. What has really changed is that under Dr. Jaishankar, India has skipped elegant diplomatese for sarcasm and a clear calling out of double standards. Much before his F-16 shot, the Minister of External Affairs had taunted the US on its questioning India's purchase of Ukraine-sanctions-tainted Russian oil even as Europe shopped for gas from Russia. In a way, this is all diplomacy-as-usual because both India and the US pursue their interests independently. Washington has compromised on democratic values and India has let go of its old Panchsheel principle of opposing interventions into national sovereignty by being publicly neutral on Moscow's invasion of Ukraine under whatever pretext. Also read | Our purchases for the month would be less than what Europe does in an afternoon: Jaishankar on Russian oil As an old Hindi/Urdu saying goes: Hamam mei sab nange hain. Everybody is naked in this bathtub. Is there a deeper truth in all this but for episodic reiteration of every country pursuing its own interests? There is, for both India and the US, if they are to truly be the strategic allies they want/claim to be. Short-term diplomacy may be in narrow self-interest, but long-term views must align with core principles. India cannot drag its feet for too long as a neutral power even as Russia eats slices of Ukraine as if that country was some Italian pizza. The US, on the other hand, cannot be unconditionally friendly to the Pakistan army without considering its history (and that of its spy arm, the Inter-Services Intelligence) of effectively creating the atavistic Taliban in Afghanistan or of the Pakistani state playing ball with China on everything from business to the Kashmir dispute. Somewhere along the way, there has to be a joint Indo-US plan in which Pakistan has a role, not a standalone US plan in which India and Pakistan have separate roles. This is for Washington to realise and act on, and for India to drive home. New Delhi needs to reconcile with the idea that Pakistan, as an increasingly stronger democracy with an English-speaking civil society culture nurtured by British colonialism (and admittedly Indian civilisational roots), is a strange beast that needs special treatment beyond the caricatured desh-ka-dushman (enemy of our country) approach practised by the Narendra Modi government. This requires a painful mix of soft diplomacy, an assertive style and backroom deal-making. Also read | Xi Jinping appears in public for first time since SCO Summit And yes, this requires a quid-pro-quo from the US in the form of a visible role for India as an international interlocutor, not the patronising mention of India as a South Asian good boy. India needs to understand that history may not be favourable for Islamabad's diplomatic gains, but geography most certainly is. Geopolitics certainly beats democratic dalliances, at least in the current phase of international diplomacy. Dr. Jaishankar understands this for sure, but how to drive a deal in such a context is where India's diplomacy is at. This requires deal-making diplomacy, not just biting words. What rings true for India, above all this, after all those American handshakes, is a hard truth of foreign policy best expressed in a self-referential couplet by Pakistan's Urdu poet Ahmad Faraz: Tum takalluf ko bhi ikhlaas samajhtey ho Faraz Dost nahi hota har haath milane wala (You mistake mere formality for affection, dear Faraz Not everybody who shakes your hand is your friend). Pakistanis can teach India some fine diplomacy lessons, for sure. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

When US's F-16 aid talks Urdu diplomacy to Pakistan, a handshake is not a hug for India

<p>Indian Air Force Group Captain <strong>Abhinandan Varthaman </strong>who had shot down a Pakistani F-16 in February 2019 during an air battle was honoured with the prestigious <strong>Vir Chakra </strong>by President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday.</p>

<p>"President Kovind presents Vir Chakra to Wing Commander (now Group Captain) Varthaman Abhinandan. He showed conspicuous courage, demonstrated gallantry in the face of the enemy while disregarding personal safety and displayed exceptional sense of duty," the government said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">President Kovind presents Vir Chakra to Wing Commander (now Group Captain) Varthaman Abhinandan. He showed conspicuous courage, demonstrated gallantry in the face of the enemy while disregarding personal safety and displayed exceptional sense of duty. <a href="https://t.co/zrmQJgfbEr">pic.twitter.com/zrmQJgfbEr</a></p>
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1462691583149494279?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The confrontation had&nbsp;taken place after Indian jets struck Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camps at <strong>Balakot</strong> leading the Pakistani Air Force to retaliate the next day.</p>

<p>Varthaman was given the gallantry award for his "exceptional sense of duty" during the aerial battle with <strong>Pakistani jets</strong>. The dogfight had taken place on February 27, 2019, as Pakistani jets tried to intrude into Indian territory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Varthaman's <strong>MiG-21 Bison</strong> intercepted Pakistan's F-16 and was involved in a dogfight.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The citation said the <strong>Indian Air Force</strong> pilot "displayed&nbsp;exceptional air combat acumen and knowledge of the enemy's tactics" while "scanning the low altitude airspace with his Airborne Intercept (AI) radar and picked up an enemy aircraft that was flying low to ambush the Indian fighter-interceptor aircraft."</p>

<p>His MiG-21 plane was hit by a missile and he ejected into POK. Varthaman's conduct during the capture was applauded at the ceremony for being "brave and dignified".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Abhinandan Varthaman<strong> </strong>spent three days in captivity and was released by Pakistani authorities as he crossed the Wagah border into India.</p>

<p>(With inputs from Agencies)</p>


Indian Air Force Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman who had shot down a Pakistani F-16 in February 2019 during an air battle was honoured with the prestigious Vir Chakra by President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday.

Indian Air Force Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman who had shot down a Pakistani F-16 in February 2019 during an air battle was honoured with the prestigious Vir Chakra by President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday. "President Kovind presents Vir Chakra to Wing Commander (now Group Captain) Varthaman Abhinandan. He showed conspicuous courage, demonstrated gallantry in the face of the enemy while disregarding personal safety and displayed exceptional sense of duty," the government said. President Kovind presents Vir Chakra to Wing Commander (now Group Captain) Varthaman Abhinandan. He showed conspicuous courage, demonstrated gallantry in the face of the enemy while disregarding personal safety and displayed exceptional sense of duty. pic.twitter.com/zrmQJgfbEr — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) November 22, 2021 × The confrontation had taken place after Indian jets struck Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camps at Balakot leading the Pakistani Air Force to retaliate the next day. Varthaman was given the gallantry award for his "exceptional sense of duty" during the aerial battle with Pakistani jets. The dogfight had taken place on February 27, 2019, as Pakistani jets tried to intrude into Indian territory. Varthaman's MiG-21 Bison intercepted Pakistan's F-16 and was involved in a dogfight. The citation said the Indian Air Force pilot "displayed exceptional air combat acumen and knowledge of the enemy's tactics" while "scanning the low altitude airspace with his Airborne Intercept (AI) radar and picked up an enemy aircraft that was flying low to ambush the Indian fighter-interceptor aircraft." His MiG-21 plane was hit by a missile and he ejected into POK. Varthaman's conduct during the capture was applauded at the ceremony for being "brave and dignified". Abhinandan Varthaman spent three days in captivity and was released by Pakistani authorities as he crossed the Wagah border into India. (With inputs from Agencies)

IAF's Abhinandan Varthaman who shot down Pak F-16  honoured with Vir Chakra

<p>Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Thursday invoked 'steadfast promise of the Taiwan-US partnership' as she oversaw commissioning of US-made advansed F-16 fighter jet squadron into country's air force. The induction of the advanced fighter jet is likely to strengthen Taiwan's defences against overly assertive China.</p>

<p>The ceremony&nbsp;took place at an airbase in Chiayi, a city in southern Taiwan. Sandra Oudkirk, Washington's de-facto ambassador to Taiwan was also present.</p>

<p>"I trust that in holding fast to democratic values, there will definitely be more countries with similar values who will stand with us on this front," said President Tsai Ing-wen.</p>

<p>The F-16V is an upgraded and much more sophisticated version of Taiwan's other ageing F-16 fighters which date back to the 1990s. The island also has French-made Mirage jets and its own indigenous warplane.</p>

<p><img alt="Taiwan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1d228cd-86a2-4e03-94a6-01ece747564c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9RV6E2.jpg" /></p>

<p>A fourth-generation multi-role fighter, the F-16V boasts more advanced radar systems as well as more sophisticated weaponry, navigation and electronic warfare systems.</p>

<p>It is however less advanced than fifth-generation fighters like China's J-20, Russia's Su-57 as well as the US-made F-22 and F-35 warplanes.</p>

<p>Taiwan is in the middle of upgrading 141 older F-16s to make them the V version and has also ordered 66 new F-16Vs.</p>

<p>Latest deployment of F-16s has come amid soaring tension between US and China over Taiwan.</p>

<p>The self-ruled democracy of 23 million is claimed by Beijing which has vowed to one day take the island, by force if needs.</p>

<p>The ceremony prompted a fiery response from Beijing at a press briefing, with an official saying "China opposes any official contact between the US and Taiwan".</p>

<p>Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian urged the United States not to send "wrong signals to separatist forces", adding that those supporting Taiwan's independence "have spared no effort to split the motherland and collude with foreign forces".</p>

<p>"Their actions are akin to throwing an egg against a rock," he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Thursday invoked 'steadfast promise of the Taiwan-US partnership' as she oversaw commissioning of US-made advansed F-16 fighter jet squadron into country's air force.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Thursday invoked 'steadfast promise of the Taiwan-US partnership' as she oversaw commissioning of US-made advansed F-16 fighter jet squadron into country's air force. The induction of the advanced fighter jet is likely to strengthen Taiwan's defences against overly assertive China. The ceremony took place at an airbase in Chiayi, a city in southern Taiwan. Sandra Oudkirk, Washington's de-facto ambassador to Taiwan was also present. "I trust that in holding fast to democratic values, there will definitely be more countries with similar values who will stand with us on this front," said President Tsai Ing-wen. The F-16V is an upgraded and much more sophisticated version of Taiwan's other ageing F-16 fighters which date back to the 1990s. The island also has French-made Mirage jets and its own indigenous warplane. A fourth-generation multi-role fighter, the F-16V boasts more advanced radar systems as well as more sophisticated weaponry, navigation and electronic warfare systems. It is however less advanced than fifth-generation fighters like China's J-20, Russia's Su-57 as well as the US-made F-22 and F-35 warplanes. Taiwan is in the middle of upgrading 141 older F-16s to make them the V version and has also ordered 66 new F-16Vs. Latest deployment of F-16s has come amid soaring tension between US and China over Taiwan. The self-ruled democracy of 23 million is claimed by Beijing which has vowed to one day take the island, by force if needs. The ceremony prompted a fiery response from Beijing at a press briefing, with an official saying "China opposes any official contact between the US and Taiwan". Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian urged the United States not to send "wrong signals to separatist forces", adding that those supporting Taiwan's independence "have spared no effort to split the motherland and collude with foreign forces". "Their actions are akin to throwing an egg against a rock," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan president hails US-Taiwan friendship at F-16 fighter jet induction ceremony

<p>The US State Department has approved the sale of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-finalizes-purchase-of-66-f-16-fighter-jets-in-biggest-arms-deal-with-us-321434"><strong>&nbsp;F-16 fighter</strong></a> jets to the Philippines.</p>

<p>According to the Pentagon, the Philippines will also receive <strong>Sidewinder</strong> and<strong> Harpoon missiles</strong>. The deal is reportedly worth $2.9 billion, which includes a dozen F-16 aircraft</p>

<p>The Pentagon said the Philippines had requested for <strong>Lockheed Martin's</strong> 10 F-16C Block 70/72 aircraft and two F-16D Block 70/72 aircraft.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/greece-turkey-dispute-turkish-intercepts-six-f-16-greek-fighters-over-mediterranean-sea-323897/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The timeline of the deal hasn't been specified yet. The <strong>Pentagon</strong> said it had informed Congress on the possible sale of two missile packages to the Philippines.</p>

<p>The Harpoon Air-Launched Block II Missiles is being made by <strong>Boeing</strong>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The defence department said the sale will "support the foreign policy and national security of the<strong> United States </strong>by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner" and also improve the "Philippines’ capability to meet current and future threats".</p>

<p>There will be no adverse impact on US <strong>defence readiness </strong>as a result of this proposed sale, the defence department said.</p>

<p>The Philippines had earlier suspended the move to scrap the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) which was set to expire in August.</p>

<p><em>(With input from Agencies)</em></p>


The US State Department has approved the sale of F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines. According to the Pentagon, the Philippines will also receive Sidewinder and Harpoon missiles.

The US State Department has approved the sale of F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines. According to the Pentagon, the Philippines will also receive Sidewinder and Harpoon missiles. The deal is reportedly worth $2.9 billion, which includes a dozen F-16 aircraft The Pentagon said the Philippines had requested for Lockheed Martin's 10 F-16C Block 70/72 aircraft and two F-16D Block 70/72 aircraft. Watch: The timeline of the deal hasn't been specified yet. The Pentagon said it had informed Congress on the possible sale of two missile packages to the Philippines. The Harpoon Air-Launched Block II Missiles is being made by Boeing. The defence department said the sale will "support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner" and also improve the "Philippines’ capability to meet current and future threats". There will be no adverse impact on US defence readiness as a result of this proposed sale, the defence department said. The Philippines had earlier suspended the move to scrap the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) which was set to expire in August. (With input from Agencies)

US to sell F-16 fighter jets, missiles to Philippines

Turkey has launched a military drill in eastern Mediterranean a day after it intercepted six F-16 Greek fighters. Turkey says it will carry out the exercises till 11th September.

Turkey launched a military drill in eastern Mediterranean Sea

Tensions continue to escalate between Nato allies. Turkish Air Forces intercepted six F-16 Greek fighters over the Mediterranean Sea. Greece media reported the news as 'Turkey harassed the jets'.

Greece-Turkey Dispute: Turkish intercepts six F-16 Greek fighters over Mediterranean Sea

<p>Taiwan has finalized the purchase of 66 F-16 fighter jets from American aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin in the biggest arms sale to the island country in years.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-cia-officer-arrested-for-giving-classified-information-to-china-321365">Former CIA officer arrested for giving classified information to China</a></p>

<p>The $62 billion deal was finalised on Friday and is said to have angered China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The United States Defense Department announced the details of the deal on its website on Friday saying that the US Air Force was given a contract to Lockheed Martin, the maker of the F-16, for 90 of the planes as part of US foreign military sales.</p>

<p>The Pentagon announced the contract without specifying the buyer, but a source familiar with the matter confirmed to AFP that it was Taiwan.</p>

<p>Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory, got a green signal from the US last year for the purchase of 66 new generation F-16s, which will allow it to modernize its defences.</p>

<p>The island country already has a fleet of F-16s purchased in 1992.</p>

<p>Beijing has warned Taiwan that it remains part of the country and will use force if Taipei ever formally moves towards declaring independence.</p>

<p>The arms deal comes as China portrayed its political muscle in Hong Kong and imposed the controversial security law on the international business hub. The move against Hong Kong has caused concern in Taiwan.</p>

<p>The humongous deal comes days after the highest level of talks between the US and Taiwan took place. The talks were the biggest since 1979 which provoked China.&nbsp;</p>


Taiwan has finalized the purchase of 66 F-16 fighter jets from American aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin in the biggest arms sale to the island country in years.

Taiwan has finalized the purchase of 66 F-16 fighter jets from American aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin in the biggest arms sale to the island country in years. Also read: Former CIA officer arrested for giving classified information to China The $62 billion deal was finalised on Friday and is said to have angered China. The United States Defense Department announced the details of the deal on its website on Friday saying that the US Air Force was given a contract to Lockheed Martin, the maker of the F-16, for 90 of the planes as part of US foreign military sales. The Pentagon announced the contract without specifying the buyer, but a source familiar with the matter confirmed to AFP that it was Taiwan. Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory, got a green signal from the US last year for the purchase of 66 new generation F-16s, which will allow it to modernize its defences. The island country already has a fleet of F-16s purchased in 1992. Beijing has warned Taiwan that it remains part of the country and will use force if Taipei ever formally moves towards declaring independence. The arms deal comes as China portrayed its political muscle in Hong Kong and imposed the controversial security law on the international business hub. The move against Hong Kong has caused concern in Taiwan. The humongous deal comes days after the highest level of talks between the US and Taiwan took place. The talks were the biggest since 1979 which provoked China.

Taiwan finalizes purchase of 66 F-16 fighter jets in biggest arms deal with US

In a move likely to further inflame tensions between the US and China. Taiwan formally signed an agreement to buy 66 of the latest model F-16 jets built by Lockheed Martin Corp.

US-Taiwan Defence Deal: Taiwan buys jets from Lockheed Martin

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