https://www.rt.com/information/585905-arizona-ukraine-f16-training/US begins coaching Ukrainian pilots

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https://www.rt.com/information/585905-arizona-ukraine-f16-training/US begins coaching Ukrainian pilots

Washington’s envoy in Kiev has confirmed the F-16 classes are underway in Arizona

The Arizona Air Nationwide Guard has began coaching pilots from Ukraine to fly F-16 fighter jets, US ambassador to Kiev Bridget Brink stated on Thursday. In the meantime, the Pentagon introduced it could ship one other $150 million value of weapons and gear to the nation.

Brink referred to as the coaching “an important a part of constructing Ukraine’s air protection” and stated the US was “proud” to work with “European companions” to help Kiev. 

Earlier this month, US Secretary of Protection Lloyd Austin stated that Washington would “assist lead the coalition” of nations offering F-16s to Ukraine, with “co-leaders” Denmark and the Netherlands. The 2 international locations had launched the F-16 initiative in early July, and obtained permission from the US to donate their jets to Ukraine in August. Washington has stated it could not ship any of its personal planes to Kiev.

Ukrainian pilots needed to end an English language course earlier than beginning flight coaching. Austin has estimated the primary jets can be delivered to Ukraine someday “subsequent spring.”

The US and its allies are continuing with the F-16 program regardless of repeated warnings from Russia calling it an unacceptable escalation, provided that the jets can carry nuclear weapons. Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that any F-16s despatched to Ukraine “will burn” similar to the opposite Western {hardware}.

In the meantime, the Pentagon has revealed the contents of the latest package deal of “safety help” to Kiev. The record consists primarily of ammunition, beginning with rockets for the NASAMS air protection methods and HIMARS rocket artillery, rounds for the 105 and 155 tube artillery, in addition to TOW and Javelin anti-tank rockets.

In response to the Pentagon, that is the “forty-ninth tranche of kit to be offered from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021,” – six months previous to the February 2022 escalation of hostilities with Russia.

Thursday’s announcement contained the brand new White Home speaking factors about how support to Ukraine is “a wise funding” that strengthens the US navy industrial base and creates “extremely expert jobs for the American individuals.” For the reason that munitions and gear got here from the Pentagon’s current stockpiles, nonetheless, the purported financial impression can be derived totally from contracting for his or her alternative.

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