Ramstein meeting results – F-16s and more air defense
Air defense equipment, shells and F-16 training for Ukrainian forces, these were the priorities identified by the members of the contact group on Ukraine's defense. Defense ministers from 50 countries also discussed long-term support for Ukraine, including industrial initiatives to increase production of critical equipment and strengthen Ukraine's air defense against the backdrop of intensified Russian shelling.
"One of Ukraine's most urgent requirements is ground-based air defense. And this contact group will continue driving hard to help Ukraine defend the skies," the Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin said during a briefing.
Today alone, the Kremlin has fired 10 X-101/X-555 cruise missiles, 7 S-300/S-400 anti-aircraft guided missiles, and 31 Iranian-made Shahed-136/131 attack drones at Ukraine.
The allies also shared responsibilities for organizing pilot training on F-16 fighters. Denmark and the Netherlands, supported by the United States, will lead the initiative in Europe. Norway, Belgium, Portugal, and Poland have also volunteered to help.
The member countries will keep working together to deliver Leopard tanks to Ukraine, and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin "sees something similar for F-16 capabilities".
Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, added that Ukraine will need a lot of fighter jets, and it may take a considerable length of time.
"F-16s clearly have a role and Ukraine deserves a capable Air Force. It's going to take a considerable length of time to build up an Air Force that's the size and scope and scale that'll be necessary," General Milley said. He added that the war may be long, but its outcome is already clear:
"This war, militarily, is not going to be won by Russia. It's just not," Milley said.
The Contact Group on Ukraine's Defense, which has been meeting regularly since April last year, provides Ukraine with military support including air defense systems, armored vehicles and ammunition, as well as training for the Ukrainian forces at its own training grounds.
According to RadioFreeEurope, citing US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin as saying that since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, the allies have committed nearly US$65 billion in military aid to Ukraine.