Ukraine will receive Western fighter jets by the end of September
After many months of debate, Ukraine will finally receive the first batch of F-16 fighter jets, notes The Economist. According to the source, the first squadron would arrive at the end of September, meaning it would be too late to play a role in the counteroffensive that could begin at any moment. Also, it is estimated that around 40-60 aircraft will be delivered to Kyiv.
Kiev has been asking for Western fighter jets since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, insisting they would provide a significant tactical advantage, reports The Economist.
According to the publication, the decisions that influenced the American position to deliver fighter planes are related to the pressure of Western allies, but also to the weakening of Russian positions on the front.
F-16 fighter jets have been operated by several European air forces for the past 25 years. These will help defend Ukraine's airspace better than its Soviet-era MIGs.
We remind that the spokesman of the Ukrainian Air Force, Iuri Ihnat, announced that Ukraine will send pilots to train on Western F-16 aircraft in several stages. According to him, a first list of participants in the respective exercises has already been drawn up, being several dozen experienced pilots.
We remind that several European countries, Canada and the United States have already expressed their desire to start training Ukrainian pilots on modern F-16 aircraft. US President Joe Biden confirmed Washington's plans to join the initiative. Warsaw announced that it has already developed a training program for Ukrainian pilots. The United Kingdom would join these efforts.
