Air Force: Ukraine already has pilots who can fight in F-16s
Ukraine needs F-16 fighter jets because air defence systems are unable to provide full coverage of the country's territory.
The statement was made by the speaker of the Air Force Command of Ukraine, Yuriy Ignat, on the air of the nationwide TV marathon "United News", Ukrinform reported.
Ignat said that there are plans to transfer all pilots to the F-16s. He noted that there are already young pilots with combat experience and a sufficient level of English ready to fight in the F-16. However, a political decision is needed to begin the training process, and combat control officers and military engineers will also be needed. Several dozen pilots are already ready for combat operations.
According to the speaker, although Ukraine needs a significant number of air defence systems, they will not be able to provide full coverage of the entire country, RBC-Ukraine reported
Ignat stated:
Air defence complexes cannot provide protection for the entire territory of the country, including airborne targets. That is why every day there is talk about the need to acquire an F-16 fighter jet to protect Ukrainian skies from Russian terrorism, as well as to support Ukrainian troops in offensive operations to liberate territories.