The timing of the appearance in Ukraine of a full-fledged squadron of F-16 aircraft was delayed “for many months” due to the reorientation of the Ukrainian army’s training to control these fighters. writes about this Wall StreetJournal.
It was noted that the USA wants to redirect the training of Ukrainian F-16 pilots towards young students from experienced military personnel with serious language barriers. The newspaper writes that the United States believes young people will be “more open” to “Western-style” education.
As the WSJ noted, Ukraine “desperately needs more F-16s and pilots” to bolster its air defenses, which have been overwhelmed by Russian air strikes.
At the same time, it is emphasized that the decision to redirect the training of military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to fly F-16 aircraft “could delay by months” the time when Kiev will have a full-fledged fleet of Western-made aircraft. ready for war.
As broadcast sources note, even before this decision is made, Ukraine will most likely not have a full-fledged F-16 fleet (20 aircraft and 40 pilots) at least until the spring or summer of next year.
Before that the Romanian government approved Decision on financing the training of Ukrainian pilots at the F-16 fighter pilots training center at the Air Force base in Fetesti.
Formerly Netherlands to arrange Ukraine’s first batch of F-16s.