Pentagon To Train Ukrainian Pilots On F-16s
Facts
- The US will start training Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets in October, the Pentagon has announced this week.1
- The move reportedly comes amid US concern that training programs hosted by European nations could reach capacity. Washington approved the transfer of training material to a coalition of 11 European countries last week, allowing them to conduct the training programs.2
- In announcing the plans on Thursday, Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said that the flight training would take place at the Morris Air National Guard base in Tucson, Arizona. He said the training would begin once selected pilots complete an English-language course next month.1
- Ryder added that dozens of aircraft maintenance crews would receive training alongside the pilots.1
- Meanwhile, after Denmark and the Netherlands announced they would donate their F-16s to Ukraine, Norway followed suit this week and said they would do the same.3
- Elsewhere, Ukraine announced on Saturday that three Ukrainian pilots died after two L-39 trainer jets collided over the Zhytomyr region on Friday.4
Sources: 1Guardian, 2CNN, 3Military Times, and 4Reuters.
Narratives
- Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by VOA. The US is doing everything it can to get F-16s in the hands of Ukraine as soon as possible. However, it's a complicated process that not only involves training pilots but also ensuring that the maintenance and logistics processes are well established. Nonetheless, the US is moving swiftly.
- Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by Atlantic Council. Russia's overwhelming air superiority has already caused Ukraine substantial problems in its counteroffensive. The longer the US and international partners delay, the more Ukraine will suffer and the more emboldened Russian Pres. Putin will feel.