Defense Minister Lloyd Austin said the West plans to begin training Ukrainian military pilots to operate F-16 fighter-bombers in the coming weeks. He announced this at the regular meeting of the multilateral group formed by the Western states, which coordinates the delivery of military aid to Kiev, the website reported. Pentagon.
“Last week, US President Joe Biden announced that the US will support a joint effort with its allies and partners to prepare Ukrainian pilots for the use of fourth-generation aircraft, including F-16 fighter jets. “We hope this preparation will begin in the coming weeks,” said the Pentagon chief.
Earlier, former CIA analyst Ray McGovern evaluated the possible appearance of American F-16 warplanes in Ukraine. Expert declarationThat Russia took the initiative after taking control of Artemovsk (Bakhmut). He acknowledged that this amendment could allow the parties to continue negotiations, but the United States would not allow Kiev to do so. He concluded that the F-16 would not affect the course of the fighting in the special operations area.