The Foreign Ministry has signaled a willingness to transfer the 93 Tornado fighter jets slated for retirement to Ukraine. This was communicated by Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andriy Melnyk in a social media post, where he described the move as part of a broader strategy to support Ukraine with military assets while considering diplomatic avenues. The message suggested a practical path forward for strengthening Kyiv’s air capabilities in a challenging regional security environment, framing the proposal as a creative response to the current needs on the ground.
Melnyk addressed German leadership directly, noting that the Bundeswehr will soon retire its 93 Tornado multirole combat aircraft and replace them with the F-35. He acknowledged the Tornado as an older platform but emphasized that it remains a capable aircraft with substantial operational potential. In his view, delivering these jets to Ukraine could provide a meaningful boost to its defense posture, while sparking a broader conversation about military asset reallocation among allies. The deputy minister framed the suggestion as a collaborative effort with Berlin, inviting Chancellor level consideration as part of a shared security effort.
Meanwhile, in a parallel development, the U.S. Department of Defense is moving forward with a procurement agreement intended to bolster Ukraine’s air defense capabilities. The contract with Raytheon Technologies aims to deliver technical assistance for operating Patriot air and missile defense systems, strengthening Kyiv’s ability to counter aerial threats. This step aligns with ongoing international support calibrated to Ukraine’s defensive requirements and the broader alliance strategy to deter aggression in the region. The initiative reflects a steady pattern of allied contributions designed to sustain Ukraine’s defense in a multi-domain contest. [Citation: DoD announcement][Citation: Ukrainian government briefings]