(Reuters) – The U.S. ambassador to Ukraine announced on Thursday that pilots from Ukraine are currently undergoing training in the United States to fly F-16 fighter aircraft. These fighter jets are vital for Ukraine to acquire in its ongoing conflict against Russia.
In August, the United States approved the transfer of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine from the Netherlands and Denmark, but the transfer would only occur once pilot training is completed.
“Ukrainian pilots are currently receiving training with the Arizona Air National Guard on F-16s,” Ambassador Bridget Brink revealed on X, formerly Twitter.
She further added, “This training is a crucial step in fortifying Ukraine’s air defense. The United States is honored to collaborate with European partners in supporting Ukraine against Russia’s severe aggression.”
Ukraine initiated a counteroffensive in their 20-month-long war last June and has managed to recapture several villages in the eastern and southern regions, although at a significantly slower pace than their rapid advance through occupied northeastern Ukraine a year ago.
Despite their gains, Ukraine continues to face missile and drone attacks targeting their infrastructure, including power generation facilities, as well as other strategic locations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has vowed to establish an “F-16 coalition,” with the Netherlands and Denmark taking the lead in offering to provide these fighter jets. Currently, Ukraine’s air force primarily consists of aircraft from the Soviet era.
(Reporting by Ron Popeski; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)
