The Ukrainian Air Force (UAF) has selected dozens of pilots to train on Western fighter jets. The country continues to request the sending of fighter jets to defend against Russia, but that shouldn't happen anytime soon.
Yuriy Ihnat, spokesman for the UAF, told the Ukrainian portal ArmyInform what do you “young and promising pilots with knowledge of the English language and powerful combat experience.”
Ignat said that the question of Western fighters, maybe F-15, F-16, is very urgent and needs to be addressed. Ukrainian pilots are ready for training “starting tomorrow”. Now the decision rests with the Western partners, who must select the type of aircraft that can be supplied to Ukraine.
“Unfortunately, today's aviation – MiGs and SUs of Soviet origin – does not respond to the military threats posed by the occupying country bombing Ukraine with powerful cruise missiles”, added the spokesperson.
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Ukraine has been asking for the transfer of fighters since the early days of the war, as the UAF was heavily affected by Russian attacks. The air force still operates, but in a limited way, both due to the lack of resources and infrastructure, as well as the dense layer of air defenses.
In July, the United States House of Representatives approved funding to start training Ukrainian pilots and mechanics on F-15 Eagle and F-16 Viper fighters. At the same time, UAF servicemen created homemade simulators, using the DCS platform, to train with A-10 jets.
Still, Ukraine seems to be far from receive more fighter jets, especially Westerners. So far, the country has received only armaments, parts and maintenance tools.
