The Biden administration has expressed its willingness to provide training on F-16 fighter jets to Ukrainian pilots in the United States, if there is a need for additional capacity, according to a statement by Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Patrick S. Ryder. The United States is prepared to support the training effort in coordination with the coalition and is open to hosting training for Ukrainian pilots within its own borders if the training capacity in Europe is reached.
Denmark and the Netherlands are leading a coalition of countries in training Ukrainian pilots on fighter jets, as approved by President Biden in May. The U.S. has deferred to Denmark and the Netherlands for planning and execution of the training.
Two U.S. officials have confirmed that the Biden administration has assured Denmark and the Netherlands that it will expedite third-party transfer requests of F-16s, ensuring that Ukraine receives the jets promptly upon completion of training. The State Department spokesperson has stated that the objective is for Ukraine to fully utilize its new capabilities once the first set of pilots completes their training.
The Pentagon has previously emphasized that the provision of F-16s to Ukraine is a long-term support measure and that the training led by the coalition is not aimed at assisting Ukraine’s current counteroffensive efforts. Initially resistant to Ukraine’s requests for F-16s, the Biden administration eventually approved their provision, understanding the need for air defense and ammunition in the ongoing conflict. However, it is important to note that it will take time for the F-16s to have a significant impact on Ukraine’s capabilities. Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has stated that matching or surpassing Russian airpower will require substantial financial resources and years of training, maintenance, and support.
In a news conference in July, Milley stated, “That’s going to take years to train the pilots, years to do the maintenance and sustainment, years to generate that degree of financial support to do that.”
Olivia Gazis contributed to this report.
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