“... at this time, we believe the provision of additional fighter aircraft provides little increased capabilities at high risk.”
Pentagon Press Sec. John Kirby on the U.S. refusing to transfer fighter jets supplied by Poland to Ukraine.
mar 10, 2022
- Kirby said the Dept. of Defense had three reasons for their position:
1. Fighter jets are not the weapons that Ukrainians need most to counter Russian aggression. For example, Kirby emphasized anti-armor weapons and air defense systems as more important.
2. Ukrainians already have "mission capable aircraft" that they are not utilizing.
3. The U.S. does not want to escalate the conflict.
- The flip side: Some believe NOT helping to supply the aircraft and not having a no-fly zone are both allowing the conflict to escalate.
Why It Matters: At this point, it appears the possibility of U.S. participation in the transfer of Polish fighter jets to Ukraine is off the table.
Something To Consider: Kirby did address reports that the U.S. was working with Ukraine on special bioweapons in labs. Kirby says this is "malarky" - Russian propaganda that could be foreshadowing their own strategy.
Here's a link to the Pentagon briefing
Here's a little background: Pentagon rejects Poland's 'high risk' plan to send fighter jets to Ukraine
