The Ukrainian authorities have admitted that they do not expect to receive the long-awaited US-made F16 fighter what they expected, and remember that their pilots are “prepared” for it receive precise instruction on European territory.
“It is clear that neither in autumn nor in winter will Ukraine receive the F16s necessary for our defense,” said Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ignat, according to Ukrinform agency, adding that he “will not hide the nation.” . “. this reality.
“We need these fighters either late this year or early next year or later.” We have no choice“added the announcer.
Ignat further noted that the Ukrainian pilots are ready to receive detailed instruction on their handling and expressed his hope that there would be no “delays” in the process.
The Air Force spokesman reported at the end of July that a first group of pilots had already set off to receive this briefing, but without providing information on the location and troop strength.
A month earlier, the governments of Poland and the Netherlands had expressed their willingness to conduct the training on their territory, although it was also not specified when these operations would begin.
US President Joe Biden endorsed training programs for Ukrainian F-16 pilots in May, but no deadline has yet been set for the delivery of fighter jets.