Ukraine’s allies urged to supply F-16 jets as ‘natural next step’ in war

UKRAINE’S allies have been urged to supply F-16 jets as “the natural next step” in the war with Russia.

A top military source told The Sun that the planes are vital in giving protection to tanks.

Britain, Germany, Poland and the US have pledged tanks and the Nato general said: “It will make the tanks more effective if they have proper air cover. F-16s are the obvious choice because there are lots of them around.”

The Netherlands pledged to look at Kyiv’s requests for its F-16s “with an open mind”.

And the fighter jet’s maker Lockheed Martin said it was ready to ramp up production to replace aircraft donated by allies.

Former RAF Air Marshal Edward Stringer said: “Some form of air cover, if suitably dense and dependable, would protect Ukraine’s fleet of Western tanks.”

Yuriy Sak, an advisor to Ukraine’s defence minister, said last night: “If we get them, the advantages on the battlefield will be just immense.”

Meanwhile, at least 11 people have been killed after Russia sent in 55 missiles and drones — 47 of which Ukraine said it shot down.

The blitz followed Germany and the US both confirming on Wednesday that they would supply Ukraine with tanks.