Would Support A Joint Effort To Train Ukrainian Pilots In The Operation Of Modern Fighter Jets

Joe Biden has set forth his intention to commit additional U.S. dollars and resources to training Ukrainian pilots to fly U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets.

The president expressed his aspiration to further involvement in the Russo-Ukrainian conflict during a 19 May closed-door meeting at the Group of Seven summit in Hiroshima, Japan.

According to a senior White House official, Biden stated his administration would support a joint effort to train Ukrainian pilots in the operation of modern fighter jets—specifically, General Dynamics’s F-16 Fighting Falcon. Subject training, which is likely to commence in the coming weeks, will ostensibly be carried out in Europe, outside Ukraine and Ukrainian airspace, and span a period of time measurable in months.  

U.S. participation in the enterprise speaks to Washington’s readiness to arm Ukraine with U.S. combat aircraft.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the aforementioned senior administration official suggested those countries participating in the training of Ukrainian pilots will decide at what future juncture the U.S.-built jets will be handed over to Kiev, how many such aircraft Ukraine will receive, and which nations will supply the planes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has, of late, occupied himself with traveling to Europe’s capital cities for purpose of pressuring world leaders to continue committing monies to his war. To further press his objectives, Zelenskyy is expected to attend Sunday’s G-7 summit.

Zelenskyy has repeatedly  prevailed upon Ukraine’s Western allies to supply his country with weapon systems, to include modern combat aircraft, with which to repel Russian forces, which moved against Ukraine in February 2022.

Many NATO member states, seeking to avoid being drawn into a global shooting-war, have refrained from provisioning Ukraine with arms. The U.S., however, has provided Kiev with the better part of $200-billion in military, financial, and humanitarian aid.

The unnamed senior administration official stressed the significant training time and cost associated with the F-16 platform, stating the apparent shift in U.S. position derives of the desire to provide Ukraine long-term capability to better defend itself and more effectively deter Russian belligerence.

FMI: www.defense.gov