During a February visit to the United Kingdom, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Parliament to consider supplying Kiev with fighter jets. This appeal was reported by outlets including the Daily Mail. At the Palace of Westminster, Zelensky met lawmakers from both chambers to acknowledge Britain as an early and steadfast ally since the start of the conflict. He recalled a lighter memory from two years prior, noting the warm reception and tea, and expressed gratitude for the prospect of capable British aircraft supporting Ukraine. In a symbolic gesture, he presented Speaker of the House of Commons Lindsay Hoyle with an aviation helmet bearing the inscription We have freedom, give us wings to protect it. Zelensky also held talks with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and stressed the aim of mobilizing international support for modern warplanes for Kiev.
Plans to deliver Western military aircraft to Ukraine emerged as early as late January, following commitments from the United States, Germany, and other allies to supply tanks. The Daily Telegraph reported that fighter transfers were not yet a priority for authorities. Sources cited suggested jets could be considered if Russian forces withdrew from Ukrainian airspace and if patrols over Kyiv were required. On February 2, Sunak indicated Britain might provide fighters but warned that any transfer would take time.
On February 8, a government spokesperson clarified that no final decision had been made, emphasizing that any plan to supply aircraft would be a long-term option rather than an immediate fix. The spokesperson added that the Prime Minister had instructed the Defense Minister to evaluate available platforms, noting the evaluation process would unfold over a lengthy horizon. Later, The Daily Telegraph cited a Downing Street source indicating that Ukrainian pilot training on Royal Air Force aircraft could commence in the spring of 2023, underscoring that training would require substantial time to complete.
During the same period, Sunak asked military leadership to determine precisely which aircraft London could provide to Kyiv, a dialogue reported by Sky News. Open data show that the Royal Air Force operates two principal fighter types: 23 American-made Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II aircraft and 160 Eurofighter Typhoon multirole fighters. The F-35B is a fifth-generation platform, while the Typhoon represents a fourth-generation design, making a transfer to Ukraine plausible from a technical standpoint. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson publicly urged immediate delivery of these jets, highlighting the country’s substantial stock and the strategic value of air power in the broader conflict.
Johnson’s remarks noted that the UK possessed more than 100 Typhoons and over 100 Challenger 2 tanks. The Eurofighter Typhoon originated in production that began in 1979 and has continued since 2003, with production figures reaching hundreds globally. The aircraft remains in service in several European nations and allied partners. The Typhoon is crewed by one or two pilots depending on configuration. Its combat ceiling reaches about 19.8 kilometers, and in air-to-air operations it can cover roughly 1,300 kilometers, with a shorter range when used in ground-attack roles. Its top speed sits near Mach 2.3. Armament includes a 27mm Mauser cannon and multiple hardpoints capable of carrying a wide array of missiles and bombs from American, British, and allied sources. The platform has seen ongoing use in NATO operations, and past procurement disputes in various countries have highlighted concerns about cost and performance in adverse weather and low-visibility conditions.
As discussions about air support for Ukraine progress, observers note that any potential transfer would involve regulatory approvals, training pipelines for pilots and maintenance crews, and the broader logistics of sustained air operations in contested skies. While the debate continues, Britain remains a determined partner, weighing what it can responsibly contribute to help Ukraine defend its sovereignty while aligning with Western security objectives.