NATO defense ministers to discuss fighter jets for Ukraine

NATO defense ministers will discuss the possible transfer of Western fighter jets to Ukraine at a meeting in June, which will precede the Alliance summit.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said this in an interview with Spiegel.

Commenting on the issue of the possible transfer of Western fighter jets to Ukraine, Stoltenberg noted that the supply of weapons has evolved as the war progressed.

"At first, light anti-tank weapons were important. Then came howitzers and anti-aircraft guns, and then tanks," he said.

"Some countries, such as Poland and Slovakia, have already delivered combat aircraft, albeit old Soviet-style MiG-29s. We are constantly discussing whether we need modern Western fighter jets, both in NATO and with Ukraine. I expect that this topic will also be discussed at the meeting of NATO defense ministers in June," the Secretary-General said.

However, according to him, no less important than the delivery of weapons platforms is ensuring their operation. "This involves a huge amount of ammunition and spare parts, as well as round-the-clock maintenance," Stoltenberg explained.

Author - Olena Madiak, 18/05/2023