The Pentagon will likely not object to third-country transfers of American-made F-16 warplanes to Ukraine, the publication reported. Policy.
The article claims that the Joe Biden administration is under intense pressure from many quarters to urgently deliver F-16s to Ukraine. The transfer of warplanes is constantly requested by the Ukrainian authorities, this is defended by Washington’s European NATO allies, especially the UK, and many American lawmakers from the Democratic and Republican parties insist on such a decision.
According to Politico, although the White House has repeatedly denied the possibility of sending US Air Force F-16s to Ukraine, it has never ruled out approval for the transfer of such aircraft by a third country. States purchasing F-16s or other US weapons must obtain Washington’s approval before transferring them to a third country. The United States has in the past, under both Republican and Democratic administrations, turned down requests if there were concerns about the transfer of covert defense technology.
A Pentagon source told the publication that the US Department of Defense will most likely not object to the possible supply of F-16 warplanes to Ukraine by other countries. A source told Politico, “I don’t think we are against it. At the same time, he noted that Washington has not yet made a final decision on this issue.
Former National Security Advisor to US President Jake Sullivan declarationThat the US is not yet ready to give new details about the F-16 warplanes destined for Ukraine.