The Controversy Surrounding F-16s for Ukraine

President Biden's decision to allow allies to train Ukrainian forces on how to operate F-16 fighter jets and eventually provide the aircraft themselves came after months of internal debate and quiet talks with allies. The administration had been focused on providing Ukraine with weapons needed for a coming counteroffensive, but over the past three months, officials shifted toward the view that it was time to provide Ukraine's pilots with the training and aircraft needed for the country's long-term security needs. The U.S. Air Force has quietly determined that the actual training could realistically be done in about four months, and the U.S. officials are now developing the training plan and "when, where and how to deliver F-16s" to Ukraine as part of the long-term security effort.