In response to the Greek useful resource Protection-Level, a Greek officer from the Hellenic Air Drive [HAF] has already arrived in Kyiv. The Greek supply claimed that he was an teacher pilot specializing within the operational use of the F-16 fighter jet. The publication didn’t disclose the title of the Greek officer.
“Kyiv, Ukraine, now hosts the primary flight officer from the Hellenic Air Drive, serving as a coach for Ukrainians within the operational use of F-16 fighter jets offered by varied NATO member nations, in keeping with unique info from Protection-Level,” the useful resource reported.
The presence of a Greek teacher, in keeping with the authors, is a part of the “F-16 coalition” initiative—an alliance of Western nations that retrain Ukrainian pilots and help personnel to fly F-16s. Greece joined this coalition following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s go to to Athens on August 21 final yr.
The Greek aspect has amassed appreciable expertise in utilizing Western fight plane, significantly throughout conflicts with Turkey. Their experience consists of shut air fight and the operational use of fighters in air-to-air missions, as famous within the Protection-Level publication.
First educated group
A number of worldwide sources, together with these from Ukraine and China, have confirmed that the primary group of Ukrainian F-16 pilots has efficiently accomplished their coaching within the USA. Though the precise variety of pilots educated stays undisclosed, the milestone marks a big step ahead. Particulars on comparable coaching applications in Europe are nonetheless unclear.
Earlier this yr, a U.S. protection official revealed to Air & Area Forces Journal that 4 Ukrainian pilots have been coaching with the 162nd Wing at Morris Air Nationwide Guard Base in Tucson, Arizona. Moreover, 20 help personnel have been receiving coaching at Joint Base San Antonio in Texas.
Ukraine is about to obtain a number of fourth-generation fighter jets from the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, and Norway. These contributions are a part of a coalition fighter framework, which incorporates commitments from the U.S. to coach Ukrainian airmen.
Again to Europe
Whereas specifics stay below wraps “to make sure their security,” Air Nationwide Guard spokeswoman Erin Hannigan confirmed that the variety of preliminary graduates and their actual commencement date remains to be not disclosed. Nonetheless, unnamed sources trace that these airmen are on their solution to Europe for additional coaching.
Final October, the primary group of Ukrainian pilots started their coaching at Morris Air Nationwide Guard Base in Tucson, Arizona. In the meantime, extra pilots are receiving coaching in Denmark, and Romania has arrange an F-16 coaching base for Ukrainian pilots. Earlier this week, the Dutch Ministry of Protection proudly introduced that the primary 10 Ukrainian servicemen have efficiently accomplished F-16 upkeep coaching within the Netherlands.
30 Belgian F-16s
Earlier final week, Belgium’s Ministry of Overseas Affairs introduced a big choice: the nation might be offering Ukraine with 30 F-16 fighter jets. In response to Hadja Lahbib, head of the division, the primary planes are anticipated to reach this yr, coinciding with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s go to to Belgium. The total supply is predicted to be accomplished by 2028.
With these 30 new F-16s, the entire variety of American plane pledged to Ukraine rises to 85. Moreover, ten extra jets might be allotted for spare elements. This addition enhances at the least 24 F-16A/Bs from the Netherlands, 19 F-16AM/BMs from Denmark, and 22 F-16AM/BMs from Norway.
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