Why does Ukraine want Western jets—and will it get them?

Russia’s air force has not yet gained the upper hand. That could soon change

(FILES) In this file photo taken on June 14, 2021 US Air Force F-16 fighter jets prepare to land at an airbase in Ben Guerir, about 58 kilometres north of Marrakesh, during the "African Lion" military exercise. President Joe Biden said on January 31, 2023 he will not be sending F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine to help its war against Russian invaders, but said he would visit crucial ally Poland. (Photo by FADEL SENNA / AFP) (Photo by FADEL SENNA/AFP via Getty Images) — Image: AFP

Feb 1st 2023

UKRAINE HAS been asking for fourth-generation Western combat jets pretty much since Russia invaded it in February 2022. But after January 25th, when the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, at last agreed to export Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine (nudged by a matching offer of M1 Abrams tanks from America), the demand has become more insistent. Ukraine wants American F-16s or F-15s, which are both numerous and being phased out by many NATO air forces as deliveries of the stealthy fifth-generation F-35 ramp up. On January 30th President Joe Biden said that America would not supply F-16s. Will Ukraine end up getting them anyway?

This article appeared in the The Economist explains section of the print edition under the headline “Why does Ukraine want Western jets—and will it get them?”