USA Approves Training of Ukrainian Pilots for Fighter Jets
The United States has joined the “fighter jet coalition” and will support the training of Ukrainian pilots to operate such planes, including F-16s. However, US President Joe Biden did not clarify whether his country will supply the corresponding jets.
US Approves Training of Ukrainian Pilots for Fourth-Generation Fighter Jets
According to a senior US official, President Joe Biden informed the leaders of the G7 countries that the United States will approve the training of Ukrainian pilots to operate fourth-generation fighter jets, including F-16s.
Pilot Training Comes First, then Possible Jet Delivery
Initially, pilots will be trained, and then it will be decided if, when, and how many planes will be delivered and by whom, Biden said. The training will take place outside Ukraine, at locations in Europe, and will last for months.
Several Countries Join the Fighter Jet Coalition
The United Kingdom and the Netherlands had already announced an F-16 initiative for Ukraine on Tuesday. France is also counted as part of the “fighter jet coalition,” although it does not have F-16 jets. Denmark has announced that it will also participate.
US Fulfills Ukraine’s Request for Fighter Jet Training
With this decision, US President Joe Biden fulfills a request already made by his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, months ago. Whether the United States is also open to delivering fighter jets remains unclear. Ukraine has been pushing for this for some time.
Ukrainian President Welcomes the Decision
Zelensky welcomed the US support as a “historic decision.” He tweeted, “This will significantly strengthen our army in the sky. I look forward to discussing the practical implementation of this decision during the #G7 summit in Hiroshima.” Andriy Yermak, the head of the Ukrainian president’s office, appeared on Ukrainian television to confirm that Zelensky plans to meet US President Joe Biden in Hiroshima. “I can officially announce the creation of the aircraft coalition today, and this means that Ukraine will soon have everything it needs to protect its skies, cities, and citizens,” Yermak said.
UK Pledges Support for Ukraine’s Air Defense Capability
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak tweeted that this was a “welcome announcement.” The UK, along with the United States, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark, will ensure that Ukraine has the air defense capability it needs.
