Ukrainian defense says Ukraine may start F-16 use in Spring 2024

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
28 Aug 2023 14:39

Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov suggests that Ukraine establish an infrastructure for the jets, which he expects to take "at least six months or perhaps even longer."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen sit in an F-16 fighter jet in the hangar of the Skrydstrup Airbase in Vojens, northern Denmark, on Aug. 20, 2023 (AFP)

Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov told Germany's Bild on Monday that given training for pilots, engineers and technicians is already ongoing, Ukraine may begin using F-16 fighter jets in spring 2024.

Reznikov suggested that Ukraine establish an infrastructure for the jets, which he expected to take "at least six months or perhaps even longer." He also expressed his hope that the deployment of US-made jets poses a "turning point" in the conflict in Ukraine.

This comes after the US approved the supply of the F-16 jets to Ukraine from Denmark and the Netherlands as soon as Ukrainian pilots concluded their training on operating the jets.

The United States announced its plans on Friday to start training Ukrainian pilots for flying F-16 warplanes as early as September, according to Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder, who added that the training program will kick off with English language instruction at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, in September.

However, earlier in August, Western efforts to train Ukrainian pilots to fly advanced F-16 jets were being hampered by the service members’ poor English language skills. According to sources, of Ukraine's 32 pilots, only eight had enough English proficiency to partake in a future training program.

As per information from two undisclosed Ukrainian officials earlier this month, it is projected that only six pilots, approximately 50% of the squadron, will finish the initial phase of training. The Washington Post reports that two additional pilots have been designated as backup candidates.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store declared on Thursday Norway's intention to contribute to the effort by supplying single-engine aircraft to Ukraine. This collaborative endeavor underscores the shared objective of reinforcing Ukraine's defense capabilities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has tirelessly pursued the acquisition of F-16 fighter jets for several months, stressing that they were a necessity in bolstering Ukraine's defensive stance. However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov underlined that Western countries were "playing with fire" by agreeing to provide Ukraine with US-made F-16 fighter jets, deeming the plans "an unacceptable escalation" of the conflict.