Ukrainian pilots will start training on F-16 fighters «in a few weeks»

The F-16 Fighting Falcon, as it is officially called, is considered one of the most versatile and dynamic fighter aircraft in the world. in the next few weeks and will fly sorties against Russian units before the end of the year, the US said.

This is earlier than Ukrainian officials predicted when NATO agreed this month to set up an F-16 training center in Romania.

«It's a matter of weeks, not months,» US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said. «We are going to attack as quickly as possible.»

Ukraine's counter-offensive against Russian forces has stalled due to well-laid minefields and Russian air superiority.

Ukrainian officials have said they urgently need F-16 warplanes to give them a chance to win air control, which, according to NATO military doctrine, is vital for attacking forces.

They thought that the first Ukrainian pilots on the F-16 would not be ready for hostilities until the first quarter of 2024, but now the United States said that this period would be reduced.

F-16

F-16 fighter will probably appear closer to the end of the year, ”said John Kirby, representative of the US National Security Council.

in Kiev, Ukrainian officials welcomed the US statement that by the end of the year F-16 would be combined. Our air defense system, since the frequent blows of Russia deplete ground systems. It's huge,” said Kira Rudik, a Ukrainian MP.

NATO has not confirmed how many F-16s they expect Ukraine to receive, and US officials have also warned that the fighter jets alone cannot break Russia's defenses.