Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Chair of the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Security and Defence, called on the governments of Germany and other EU countries to ensure that the F-16 fighter jets recently received by Ukraine are more effective.

ZDF reported on this.

In addition, in her opinion, the support should also include increasing the capacity of Ukraine’s air defense systems and the supply of Taurus cruise missiles from Germany.

“This is an important signal and effective support that F-16s are finally being delivered,” the politician said.

Strack-Zimmermann emphasized that Europe should not back down in its support for Ukraine.

“All states, not just Germany, must do everything in their power to protect Ukraine and enable it to continue to defend itself,” she said.

It was officially announced on August 4 that Ukraine had received Western F-16 fighter jets from its European partners.

The transfer of fighter jets of this type to the Ukrainian Air Force has been a lengthy process.

The United States will supply missiles for Ukraine’s F-16 fighter jets as part of military assistance. The United States will provide the F-16 with armament, including AGM-88 HARM anti-radiation missiles, long-range JDAMs that turn unguided bombs into smart weapons, and GBU bombs.

The United States will supply the fighter jets with advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles, known as AMRAAM, and short-range air-to-air missiles, known as AIM-9X.

In July, Canada announced the allocation of about C$389 million (more than $280 million) to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets. The money is allocated through the Ukraine Defense Contact Group Air Force Capability Coalition. Part of these funds will also be used to provide critical equipment to support Ukraine’s safe operation of F-16s.

The Netherlands also promised to purchase €300 million worth of weapons for Ukrainian F-16s. These €300 million will be in addition to the previously announced €150 million, which is also intended for the purchase of aviation armament.