An American press article talks about the challenges
The American newspaper “Newsweek” said that Kiev must now meet its challenges represented by “the time it will take to train the Ukrainians on the F-16s, as well as to prepare the appropriate infrastructure to receive these planes”. The other challenge, according to the newspaper, is to “prepare the appropriate political scene so that the process does not aggravate the situation”. This type of aircraft was previously a red line for countries supporting Ukraine for fear of using it to target the Russian interior. At the same time, Ukraine has repeatedly called for NATO fighter jets to replace its former Soviet fleet, as part of what it described as an announced “combat aircraft alliance”. by the UK a few days ago. Experts and observers say the hurdles Ukraine is trying to overcome “do not represent insurmountable problems,” but Ukraine is unlikely to receive American-made planes anytime soon.
Training of pilots of Ukraine
Although many countries have offered to train Ukrainian pilots, it will take time for this to bear fruit. However, the Ukrainian Air Force command denied the news that Ukrainian pilots had started training on F-16 fighters, as the forces’ spokesman, Yuriy Ihnat, said that ” the preparation of the program continues”. The Ukrainian military official pointed out that “representatives of the air force are now in the countries providing the training, to study the course of the operation, but the pilots themselves have not yet arrived”. Retired Air Commodore Andrew Curtis, formerly of Britain’s Royal Air Force, said: “Training experienced pilots on a new aircraft is measured in months, not weeks, and the same principle applies to Ukrainian crews.” At the end of February, a Pentagon official indicated that the “fastest” time frame for the training and delivery of the F-16s to Ukraine “would be around 18 months”. Although the training of Ukrainian pilots has been accelerated in a shorter time given the demands of the war, experts believe that the F-16s will not reach Ukraine before the long-awaited counter-offensive in the spring.
Infrastructure
Preparing the infrastructure to receive the F-16 aircraft is an important element in this file. Training is not the end of the line with these aircraft, but logistics like supply chains, maintenance procedures and infrastructure are also important. F-16s need smooth runways and often central bases to operate, unlike the sporadic airfields and temporary runways that Soviet-era aircraft in Ukraine’s current fleet may use. In this regard, the former British military officer, Frank Ledwidge, warns that these sites could then become a “preferred target” for Russian strikes.
political barriers
There has always been a political aspect to military aid to Ukraine, and the F-16s were once a red line for Kyiv’s Western and NATO supporters. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said “the F-16 will be a legitimate target for Moscow if it is supplied to Ukraine.” NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said “Ukraine has the right to defend itself”, but that does not make NATO and its allies a party to the conflict. US President Joe Biden confirmed that the Ukrainians “will use these fighters against Russian forces on Ukrainian soil, and Russian lands will not be attacked.”
American support
For her part, US State Department spokeswoman Hala Gharit outlined, in statements exclusive to “Sky News Arabia”, Washington’s position on providing further military aid to Ukraine, as well as on the supply to Kiev of “F-16” aircraft, at a number of points. , stating: “The United States supports the joint effort with our allies and partners to train Ukrainian pilots in the use of fourth generation combat aircraft. “We can confirm that we will continue to consult closely Ukraine, in light of the development of the Russian war against it and the development of American military assistance as well.” “We are constantly working with Ukraine to provide adequate support to the brave people who defend their country (. ..) and we will continue to work with our allies and partners to identify the appropriate support and provide Ukraine with the appropriate capabilities to defend itself. “The main point is that we will not abandon Ukraine, and this position is not limited to the United States alone, but it is a unified international position, and it was underlined by the leaders of the G7 during their meetings in Japan recently.” The United States provided additional security assistance to Ukraine in the amount of $375 million following the bilateral meeting between Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which took place on the sidelines of the G7 conference. “The latest endorsement underscores our unwavering commitment to support our Ukrainian partners in the face of Russian aggression. With this new critical security support with weapons and equipment, Ukraine’s defense capabilities will be strengthened and a significant difference will be made for Ukrainian defenders on the battlefield. .”
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