Ukraine would be open to the creation of air squadrons made up of foreigners, inspired by Flying Tigers e Eagle Squadron of World War II, while Ukrainian pilots are trained by an international coalition. The information was revealed by US Senator Lindsey Graham, a former US Air Force lawyer.
“If you are a retired F-16 pilot and you are looking to fight for freedom, they will hire you here. They will search all NATO nations for retired fighter pilots willing to come help them until they can train their pilots.” In comments reported by Scripps News, US Senator Lindsey Graham, visiting Ukraine, said.
The Ukrainian Air Force faces difficulties with the loss of experienced pilots, and operating an F-16, an advanced fourth-generation fighter, rather than a MiG-29 Fulcrum or Su-27 Flanker, requires considerably more practice to be effective.
Despite resistance from the US government, Senator Graham is considering legislation that would allow for the rapid mobilization of retired US Air Force F-16 pilots to assist Ukraine in building its F-16 force.
Jeffrey Fischer, columnist for Kyiv Post and 30-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force as a combat aviator, claims that some of the U.S. State Department strongly oppose American participation in an aerial foreign legion (FFL). However, there are notable precedents.
On the other hand, there are also records that Russia recruited Cubans and other foreigners to fight in Ukraine, but these fighters appear to be used exclusively in terrestrial roles.
US Senator Lindsey Graham is making a name for himself as he tries to Ukraine and strengthen the legacy of the US Air Force in which he served. However, the final word must belong to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
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