Breaking: Retired RAF Eurofighter Typhoon Jets in 2025 Could Strengthen Ukrainian Air Force, Reflecting Strong Ties between UK and Ukraine

The recent controversial decision by the United Kingdom to decommission 30 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets by 2025 has almost coincided with the recent pledgefrom British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to allocate £2.5 billion ($3.2 billion) in military funding to Ukraine this year during his visit to Kyiv. The procurement of long-range attack drones has been identified as a top priority in this commitment. Military Authorities have indicated that the upcoming drone deliveries represent the most extensive effort by any nation supporting Ukraine in its resistance against the Russian invasion in 2022. The majority of these drones are anticipated to be manufactured in the U.K. However, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has stated that collaboration with international partners is underway to substantially increase the quantity of drones provided to the Ukrainian military. As of now, specific details regarding the types of drones covered under this latest weaponry commitment from the British government are not yet available.

This agreement comes at a time of increasing concern in Ukraine over future funding plans by the U.S. and some European nations.

Since the beginning of the conflict with Russia, Ukraine has urgently requested, as a top priority, the supply of fighter jets. Initially, the focus was on acquiring F-16s, despite this model being phased out in many NATO countries in favor of the F-35. In fact, Ukrainian pilots are already undergoing training on F-16s from the air forces of Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands, at bases located in Denmark and Romania.

Although the recent UK military aid agreement with Ukraine does not explicitly mention the transfer of Eurofighter jets from the RAF to Ukraine, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in a statement during the signing of the agreement on Friday, January 12th, in Kyiv: "I am here with one message: the UK will not waver. We will stand with Ukraine, in their darkest hours and in the better times to come," he said. "The UK is already one of Ukraine's closest partners because we recognize that their security is our security."

Another sign reinforcing this idea is that in Sunak's statement, he mentioned that 'there would be no backsliding on defense aid by the British.' Therefore, the transfer of these redundant Eurofighters from the RAF would not be a red line if it were proposed.

This proposal could have received substantial backing from pro-Ukrainian lobbying groups and pro- Ukrainian think tanks.

The military aid agreement between the United Kingdom and Ukraine on January 12th occurred after the announcement of the retirement of 30 redundant Eurofighter jets from the RAF. However, London is keenly interested in strengthening its ties with the Ukrainian government through the signing of this comprehensive security cooperation agreement during Sunak's visit – his second since assuming the position of prime minister last year.

Something that could further support this "not-so-surprising announcement" is that, at this time, no spokesperson from 10 Downing Street, the Foreign Office, and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has denied the possibility that it could be confirmed.

The Eurofighters that the United Kingdom has announced will be retired began entering service in 2003, with the RAF receiving 53 units of the 'Tranche 1', the first production standard. Other Eurofighter consortium member countries, Spain, Germany, and Italy, also started receiving their Eurofighters around the same time. However, unlike the UK, these countries not only have not announced the retirement of their initial 'Tranche 1' units but are undergoing processes of upgrade and modernization with new software and weaponry. This suggests that the aircraft designated for Ukraine could also enjoy the possibility of these technological upgrades.

The transfer of retired British Eurofighters to Ukraine could significantly bolster the defense and attack capabilities of the Ukrainian Air Force, marking a dramatic turn in the conflict. Ukraine would gain access to an aircraft that would far surpass in technology, sensors, and weaponry any combat aircraft in the Russian Air Force, including the SU-30 and SU-57.

Ukraine Confirms Downing Three Russian Su-34 Fighter Jets

Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, celebrated the downing of two Russian fighter jets on Christmas Eve as a promising sign for the year ahead, marking the country's official observance of the holiday on December 25 instead of January 7. Additionally, Zelenskyy asserted Ukraine’s claim of destroying three more Russian fighter planes on a recent Friday.

Expressing confidence in the country's air defense capabilities, Zelenskyy praised Ukraine’s negotiation skills, its strengthened sky shield, and its defense against Russian aggression. However, his optimistic outlook arrives amidst growing worries about stalled battlefield progress and the uncertainty surrounding Western aid for Ukraine's war effort.

Russia claimed an advancement in the battle zone on Monday, asserting control over Marinka, a strategically located town west of Donetsk. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu highlighted this advance as crucial in protecting Donetsk from potential attacks.

Amid these developments, Ukraine reported intercepting 28 Russian drones while its air defense forces shot down two Russian planes overnight. Tragically, these clashes resulted in one civilian fatality and at least four injuries in various Russian attacks over 24 hours.

Ukraine marked a significant change in its public holiday celebration by officially observing Christmas on December 25, moving away from the traditional January 7. The Orthodox Church of Ukraine, granted full recognition in 2019, further differentiated itself from the Russian Orthodox Church by embracing this change. Many Ukrainians welcomed this shift, viewing it as a step toward solidifying their cultural independence from Russia.

Meanwhile, the conflict in Ukraine continued, with the Ukrainian Air Force reporting the destruction of three Russian Su-34 fighter-bombers in southern Ukraine on December 22, following a threatening nighttime message from the Russian military.

The Ukrainian military's General Staff stated that since the full-scale invasion began, Russia has lost a total of 324 warplanes and helicopters, marking significant losses in aircraft. Specifically, the downing of Russian aircraft, including a Su-34 fighter-bomber near Mariupol and an attempted interception of a Su-30 fighter jet in the Black Sea near Odesa, were key recent developments.

Ukraine also reported air raid alerts and confrontations against Shahed drones in various regions, including missile attacks in Odesa and the downing of a Shahed drone. These hostilities indicate the ongoing intensity and unpredictability of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

The Dutch Government Confirms Supplying 18 F-16 Fighter Jets to Ukraine

The Netherlands officially announced the delivery of 18 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine to aid in its struggle against Russia's invasion. In a statement made by Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, he conveyed the decision to prepare and supply these aircraft to Ukraine during a phone conversation with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The confirmed delivery follows earlier assurances in August regarding the supply of these planes, a move that aligns with Ukraine's requests for military assistance. Though the total number of aircraft to be provided was previously undisclosed, it's now confirmed that the Dutch military holds 18 non-operational F-16s out of a surplus, while the other 24 are operational.

Rutte emphasized the significance of this delivery, stating, "The delivery of F-16s is one of the most critical elements of the agreements made on military support for Ukraine." However, the delivery is subject to an export permit from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and compliance with specific criteria regarding personnel and infrastructure in Ukraine.

The decision underscores the Netherlands' steadfast commitment to bolstering Ukraine's response to the ongoing Russian aggression, confirming their continued support. The conversation between Rutte and Zelenskyy also addressed current military necessities, including artillery, drones, and air defense.

Moreover, the Netherlands has been instrumental in establishing a training center for F-16 fighter pilots in Romania. The center, used for instructing Ukrainian and Romanian pilots, currently houses five F-16 units from the Netherlands for a six-to-eight-month training program.

In addition, Rutte affirmed the Netherlands' dedication to facilitating Ukraine's EU accession talks, promising efforts to secure a financial support agreement of €50 billion at the February 2024 European Council meeting. This comes after Hungary's recent blockage of the EU's proposal for aid to Ukraine.

Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the Netherlands' support in opening Ukraine's EU accession discussions and highlighted the significance of securing the EU assistance soon. The conversation also touched upon ongoing efforts to consolidate international backing for Ukraine's vision of a just peace, reaffirming the commitment to further Peace Formula discussions.

Ukraine to Receive Mi-17E Helicopters from Argentina in Unexpected Diplomatic Gesture

 

Argentina’s recent decision to transfer two Mi-17E transport helicopters to Ukraine marks a significant diplomatic shift and strategic move in both nations’ military affairs. This decision, made during Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s visit to Buenos Aires, stands as a testament to Argentina's revised foreign policy under its new leadership.

Initially acquired from Russia, these Mi-17E helicopters were utilized for logistical support in Antarctica. However, operational challenges arose due to difficulties in obtaining spare parts caused by sanctions. Despite these obstacles, the United States facilitated the transfer by offering Argentina a financial incentive. This deal involved offsetting the helicopters' cost against Argentina’s planned purchase of F-16 fighter jets from Denmark.

The maneuver not only strengthens Ukraine’s aerial capabilities for troop and supply transportation but also aids Argentina in its military modernization efforts, potentially at a reduced cost. Furthermore, it underscores Argentina’s commitment to upholding international order and supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sending a clear message of solidarity to the international community.

The Argentine Air Force (FAA) had been operating two Mil Mi-171E helicopters for Antarctic operations since 2011. These helicopters, managed by Grupo Aéreo 7 from BAM Mariano Moreno in Buenos Aires, were utilized for general transportation and Search and Rescue (SAR) missions. Specifically adapted for Antarctica, the Mi-171Es were equipped with extra fuel tanks, a loading crane, and featured a distinct bright orange upper fuselage.

Despite their crucial role in Antarctic operations, maintaining these helicopters proved challenging for the FAA, especially concerning spare parts procurement and overhauling. The situation worsened after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Consequently, the United States urged Argentina to donate the helicopters to Ukraine, despite opposition from the outgoing Argentine government.

With the new Argentine government in place, finalizing the terms of the donation will take place soon. The United States is actively seeking ways to compensate Argentina for the helicopters. Meanwhile, the FAA will need to address the void created by the Mi-171Es' retirement from supporting Argentine Antarctic operations.

Ukrainian Flight Crews Start F-16 Training in Arizona

The US has started F-16 pilot training for Ukraine, as announced by the U.S. Air Force on October 25.

A "small group" of Ukrainian pilots commenced their training with the 162nd Wing of the Arizona ANG uard earlier this week, focusing on "F-16 fundamentals," according to a spokesperson from the service.

The training program will be customized to each pilot's foundational knowledge and skills and is expected to span several months, according to  an Air & Space Forces Magazine U.S. Air Force spokesperson.

The 162nd Wing conducts pilot training at the Morris ANG Base, located at the Tucson International Airport. It serves as the sole unit within the U.S. Air Force responsible for training foreign pilots on F-16s as part of its daily mission. The wing has trained more than two dozen countries in the operation of the F-16.

While a standard F-16 training course typically lasts about six months, U.S. officials have indicated that Ukrainian pilots are unlikely to follow the standard model, as the training will be tailored to meet Ukraine's specific requirements for safeguarding its airspace. European nations are also involved in training Ukrainian pilots on F-16 operations.

Foreign F-16 pilots are also required to undergo English language training, which Ukrainians began last month at Lackland AB in Texas.

It is not expected for Ukrainian pilots to engage in combat flying with F-16s until 2024. European nations have committed to providing Ukraine with used F-16s. The United States has undertaken to train a number of pilots and maintainers

General James B. Hecker, commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe, disclosed in an interview in September that the U.S. would be training approximately 10 pilots. While the Pentagon has mentioned that the U.S. will also be training "dozens" of maintainers, it has not revealed whether this training has already begun.

The United States has not committed to providing American-owned F-16s. The transfer of F-16s, requires approval by the U.S. government for delivery to Ukraine. The Biden administration had indicated its intention to grant such approval during the summer.

Related:

12 to 18 Dutch F-16s fly to Romania for Ukrainian pilot training

Starting in 2025, Belgium plans to supply Ukraine with F-16 fighter aircraft.

Sweden will consider sending Gripen jets to Ukraine only after NATO membership

12 to 18 Dutch F-16s fly to Romania for Ukrainian pilot training

The Dutch News Agency ANP recently quoted the Minister of Defense of the Netherlands, announcing plans to deploy between 12 and 18 F-16 fighter jets to Romania shortly. This move is part of a broader initiative to train Ukrainian pilots.  

Royal Netherlands Air Force  inventory comprises 42 aircraft. These are being replaced by F-35s. It's expected to shift up to 24 fighter jets to Ukraine, reserving the remaining for training purposes.

F-16 will be inducted into Ukrainian Air Force Service in 6-8 months. 

Starting in 2025, Belgium plans to supply Ukraine with F-16 fighter aircraft.

On Wednesday, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo announced that Belgium intends to supply Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets, commencing in 2025.

De Croo and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy convened a meeting ahead of a gathering of NATO defense ministers.

De Croo affirmed Belgium's commitment to providing Ukraine with these fighter aircraft, while acknowledging that the ultimate decision would hinge on the government in power at that time.
Belgium plans to phase out its existing F-16 fleet in favor of the more advanced F-35s. "We will gradually transition the F-16 fleet starting in 2025, contingent on the full deployment of the F-35s," explained Defense Minister Ludovine Dedonder.
Belgium will also participate in the maintenance of these aircraft. 

Russian Su-35 Shot Down Ukrainian Su-25 & MiG-29 Jets During Combat Sortie

A Russian Su-35S multirole fighter jet successfully engaged and shot down Ukrainian Su-25 and MiG-29 aircraft during a combat sortie, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.

The pilot of the Su-35S fighter jet, said that a pair of Su-25s and one MiG-29 were spotted at a distance of around 200 kilometers. Apparently, the Su-25s were preparing to carry out the ground attack, and MiG-29s must have been escorting them.

According to the pilot, after the missile was launched, the tags from the radars disappeared. Further, intelligence confirmed: two aircraft were shot down, and the cover fighter left the escort zone.

However, Russian fighters have remained very effective and lethal against Ukrainian aircraft throughout the war, particularly the Su-35S armed with the R-77-1 air-to-air missile (AAM), according to a recent study on the Russian Air War in Ukraine, conducted by London-based Royal United Services Institute.

Ukrainian fighter pilots cited by the experts at RUSI admit that Russia’s Su-30SM and Su-35S completely outclass Ukrainian Air Force fighters.

eurasiantimes 

US, NATO could supply Ukraine with swedish JAS-39 Gripen

A leading UK-based defense think tank has recommended that the West consider providing the Ukrainian Air Force with Saab JAS-39 Gripen C/D fighter jets to prevent the ongoing Ukraine war from shifting dramatically in Russia’s favor.

Experts from the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) said in a report, that the Swedish aircraft offers “by far the most suitable candidate” for Western-made fighter jets regarding operational requirements for Ukrainian air defense.

Experts highlighted the importance of the delivery of fighter jets to Ukraine, in addition to the Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) launchers, missile ammunition, and self-propelled anti-aircraft guns, saying if these are not delivered, Ukraine would be left vulnerable to another Russian strike campaign that needs to be resisted to avoid a dramatic shift in the current momentum of the war.

Eight months into the war, Ukraine’s Air Force has kept the Ukrainian airspace contested, despite being outnumbered by the Russian military.

This is because the Ukrainian military planners recognized Russia’s long-range fire capability. Therefore, Ukrainian fighter pilots adopted flexible tactics like keeping the aircraft moving from one airfield to another and flying difficult flight paths to reduce the chance of the enemy catching them on the ground.

The Swedish Air Force (SwAF) is known to operate similarly. Sweden’s tactics of wartime dispersal of warplanes have received acclaim from the US Air Force as well, which is known to have sent its personnel to Sweden to learn these tactics.

“The ability to disperse aircraft is a specialty of theirs,” The Commander of USAFE, General James B Hecker, said of the SwAF in August, adding, “Sweden has got Agile Combat Employment (ACE) down better than any other air force in the world, and we are going to exploit that [knowledge for NATO]. It’s very exciting!”

eurasiantimes 

European Union to provide fighter jets to Ukraine

The European Union will provide Ukraine with combat aircraft and weapons worth EUR 500 million. This was announced by the Center for Strategic Communication and Information Security on Facebook with reference to the High Representative of the European Union, Josep Borrell, according to Ukrinform. "We're going to provide even fighting jets. We're not talking about just ammunition. We are providing more important arms to go to a war," Borrell told a press conference. 

He added that more lethal aid, worth EUR 500 million, is to be delivered to Ukraine. 

ukrinform

 

Ukraine approves An-70 Production and Will Introduce it into Service

Ukraine has approved production of the Antonov An-70 transport aircraft and will introduce it into service with its armed forces.
The decision to adopt the An-70 was taken by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) following a test programme that was concluded in June 2014. Serial production will now begin, although the company did not specify numbers or timelines.
The An-70 has been jointly developed by Ukraine and Russia and is in the same category of airlifter as the A400M Atlas from Airbus.
The An-70 is likely to find itself competing not just with the A400M, but against the Embraer KC-390 and the Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Hercules also.
The An-70 has been a troubled project from the outset, with development dating back to the Soviet-era.
janes

Ukraine returns refurbished combat aircraft to service

Ukraine has returned to service four combat aircraft that have recently undergone refurbishment work.
Two MiG-29 and two Sukhoi Su-27 fighters were handed back to the Ukrainian Air Force.
In addition to the aircraft, about 150 ground vehicles and other weapons systems were handed over to the military.
Since hostilities with Russia began in early 2014, Ukraine has returned scores of aircraft to service that would otherwise have become unairworthy due to a lack of investment in the country's armed forces. These have included MiG-29s and Su-27s, as well as Sukhoi Su-24 and Su-25 strike aircraft, and Antonov An-26 transport aircraft.
Having suffered from chronic underinvestment for years, the Ukrainian Air Force was placed at an instant disadvantage when Russian forces entered Crimea in early 2014. The air force's inability to respond with the assets that it did have was compounded when a number of its bases were overrun and its aircraft seized.
It is thought that 45 aircraft, including MiG-29 fighter and Aero L-39 trainer/light strike aircraft, were lost this way when the 204th Tactical Aviation Brigade at Belbek was overrun by Russian Spetsnaz troops on 21 March.
Further to this, when the Ukrainian Air Force did get involved in hostilities in a meaningful way in the east of the country, it found that this endemic underinvestment manifested itself in outdated and poorly maintained combat aircraft, as well as poorly trained pilots. Combined with a lack of combat experience and poor use of intelligence, this meant that the air force has suffered a high loss rate that continues through to today. At least 20 fighters, transports, and helicopters have been shot down in the past year.
While Ukraine's aircraft inventory remain impressive on paper, the country desperately needs to continue its refurbishment effort if it is to have at its disposal the numbers of serviceable and capable aircraft it requires to combat separatist factions.
janes

Twenty SU-27 Fighter Jets to Be Based at Crimea

Twenty Russian SU-27 fighter jets are to be relocated to Belbek airbase in Crimea by the end of 2014, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Earlier, more than 50 aircraft were based at Belbek, including MIG-29 Ukrainian Air Force fighter jets. Currently, the process of transferring the fighters to Ukraine is near its completion.
According to the source, Russian pilots are to fly these planes, while pilots who quit the Ukrainian army are being trained as well.
ria.ru

Ukraine army helicopter shot down near Sloviansk

Pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine have shot down a military helicopter near Sloviansk, killing 14 people.
The rebels used a Russian-made anti-aircraft system. An army general was among the dead.
The town of Sloviansk has seen fierce fighting between separatists and government forces in recent weeks.
Russia has reiterated calls for Ukraine to stop its military campaign against the pro-Moscow rebels.
bbc.com

Ukraine caught operating Mi-24 in U.N. colors

The United Nations says it's concerned over the interim Ukrainian government's use of military helicopters bearing its signature in military operations. They were used during the operation in Donetsk Region, which is defying Kiev's authority and proclaimed independence.
Three U.N.-painted Mil Mi-24 combat helicopters and one Mi-8 transport helicopter had been spotted assisting government troops in eastern Ukraine.
Ukraine has provided equipment to several U.N. peacekeeping missions, including in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
A U.N. spokesperson told that the helicopters seen may have been aircraft used on these missions that had not been repainted on their return. This would be a violation of the U.N.'s agreement with its member states and made concerns clear about these reports.
He added: "It is the responsibility of U.N. member states to remove all logos and signs bearing the U.N.'s name once such equipment has been repatriated to the home country or is no longer being used for official U.N. purposes."
nbcnews

Ukraine Puts Mothballed Mig-29 Fighter Jets Back in Service

Several mothballed Mig-29 were returned to combat service in Ukraine.
Test flights are being conducted and more mothballed fighter jets will take off again.
The state of Ukraine’s armed forces came under close scrutiny when the new government took office in late February, after months of violent uprising.
Kiev launched extensive combat readiness checks of its armed forces in early March, following Crimea’s announcement that it was ready to secede from Ukraine and join Russia.
Defense Minister said in his report to the president that the checks revealed “unsatisfactory” condition of the armed forces.
Out of 507 combat planes and 121 attack helicopters, only 15 percent are serviceable. Air Force crews lack proper training and only 10 percent of them are capable of performing combat tasks.
ria.ru

Ukraine, Poland To Hold Joint Air Force Drills

Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense has announced plans to hold joint drills of the Ukrainian and Polish air forces. Under the plan, Ukraine’s Mikoyan MiG-29 and Sukhoi Su-27 jet fighters will participate in the military exercises along with Poland’s F-16s and Mikoyan MiG-29st.
The Safe Sky 2014 drills are scheduled from May to July. The drills will be focused on the tactical aspects of intercepting air targets.
The latest move comes as Russia-backed troops are concentrating in Ukraine’s Crimea. The pro-Russian forces have taken over a number of Ukrainian military facilities there.
Poland has been one of the most vocal critics of the Russian intervention in Ukraine.
defensenews

Russian fighter jets violate Ukraine air space, troops flow into Crimea

Russian troops and military planes were flowing into Crimea on Monday in violation of accords between the two countries, Ukrainian border guards said.
Since Sunday, 10 Russian combat helicopters and eight military cargo planes have landed on the flashpoint Black Sea peninsula, while four Russian warships have been in the port of Sevastopol since Saturday.
Kiev received no warning regarding the troop movements, even though that is required by the international laws regarding the stationing of Russia's Black Sea navy in Crimea.
Under these agreements, Ukraine should receive notice of any troop movements 72 hours in advance.
Russian fighter jets twice violated Ukraine's air space over the Black Sea during the night on Sunday. Ukraine's air force scrambled a Sukhoi SU-27 interceptor aircraft and prevented any provocative actions.
hindustantimes

Ukraine Closes Airspace to Military Aircraft

Ukraine has closed its airspace to military aircraft.
Ukraine's Prime Minister accused Russia of "declaring war", citing the decision for Russian forces to surround military bases in Crimea and urged Russia to pull back his troops from this country and honour bilateral agreements.
Earlier on Sunday, Ukraine's national security council ordered the call-up of military reservists in preparation against a possible Russian invasion. Ukraine has put its armed forces on full combat alert.
Ukrainian authorities have been calling for international assistance since Saturday's unanimous approval by the upper house of Russia's parliament of the request President Vladimir Putin to use the country's military on Ukrainian territory.
novinite

Ukraine Unveils New Wingtip EW Pod for Flankers and Fulcrums

Ukraine's Radionix showed off a new containerised version of its Omut electronic warfare (EW) jammer for the first time at the AviaSvit Ukrainian national air show.

The original Omut system shown two years ago was designed for internal carriage aboard MiG-29 ('Fulcrum') and Su-27 (Flanker) aircraft, while the new configuration is for installation on the wingtip stations of an aircraft, which is the more traditional location for the Su-27.


defense-studies