The Air Force Coalition, which facilitates the transition of Ukrainian aviation to Western aircraft, was established within the framework of Ramstein 2.0 – the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.
The need to replace the Soviet-era tactical aircraft fleet with Western multi-role fighter jets had been under discussion long before the full-scale invasion. Among the options considered were Swedish Gripens, American F-15/F-16s, and French Rafales. Finally, in May 2023, the Air Force Coalition was formed, marking the beginning of this important mission.
Currently, the coalition includes 14 participants (Belgium, the United Kingdom, Canada, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, France, the Czech Republic, Sweden), led by Coalition leaders Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United States. Finland and Greece are also being considered for participation.
The goal of the Coalition is not only to provide Ukraine with Western aircraft and aviation strike systems but also to train Ukrainian pilots, mechanics, engineers, and other personnel to service the aircraft. These efforts aim to strengthen and develop the Ukrainian Air Force, facilitate the transition to new models of Western aviation, and, most importantly, ensure interoperability with NATO aviation.
“Our pilots are demonstrating their skills and the effectiveness of Western aviation in Ukrainian skies. To repel Russian attacks and gain air superiority, we need more aircraft. We are working with our partners on this and expect their decisions regarding the transfer of additional platforms to achieve our ultimate goal – the compatibility of our aviation with theirs,” emphasized Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Defense for European Integration, Serhiy Boyev.
The Coalition’s work also ensures support for the existing weapons and equipment in Ukraine. Even before the Coalition’s creation, Slovakia and Poland were among the first to provide Ukraine with large packages of spare parts for Soviet-era aircraft and MiG-29 fighter jets.
Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway have already announced the transfer of F-16 fighter jets. The first of these were received by Ukraine in 2024 from Denmark and the Netherlands. France has also announced the delivery of Mirage fighter jets in 2025.
Currently, work is underway on the mechanism for transferring two long-range radar detection aircraft, ASC 890, which Sweden announced in May 2024, and retraining aviation personnel for their use and maintenance.
Most of the Coalition members continue to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16s and other announced aircraft.
The work of the Air Force Coalition is not public due to the sensitivity of the information, so most decisions are made known only post-factum.
In total, within the framework of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, eight capability coalitions have been formed: the Air Force Coalition, Integrated Air Defense and Missile Defense Coalition, Naval Capabilities Coalition, Drone Coalition, IT Coalition, Artillery Coalition, Armored and Maneuverability Coalition, and the Demining Coalition.
On January 9, 2025, defense officials from the 14 leading states agreed on the roadmap for the Air Force Coalition and the other seven coalitions during the meeting of the Coalition Capability Leaders Group within the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (Ramstein format).
