US authorizes training of Ukrainian pilots to operate F-16 fighters
Currently, the F-16 is widely used in 25 nations as a globally recognized fighter. With a total of 3,000 aircraft in service, the F-16 is widely acclaimed as one of the most versatile aircraft on the planet.
US Air Force F-16 fighter in flight - Photo Playback / Getty Images
The meeting of G-7 leaders, made up of the most industrialized and democratic countries in the world, began in the Japanese city of Hiroshima this Friday (19), highlighting the extraordinary geopolitical importance of the event. During the summit, the group announced the implementation of a new series of sanctions and restrictions against Moscow, aimed at curbing its military potential. During the meeting, the united states government also disclosed that it granted authorization for the training of Ukrainian pilots in the operation of F-16 fighters.
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A high-ranking member of the White House revealed that the American president Joe Biden during the G7 meeting in Japan, announced that the country will collaborate with its allies and partners in a joint effort to provide training to Ukrainian pilots in fourth-generation aircraft, including the renowned F-16 fighters. Also according to this official, the plan would cover training “in fourth-generation fighters, including F-16s, to further strengthen and improve the capabilities of the Ukrainian air force”.
The fourth-generation category includes Britain's Eurofighter Typhoon and France's Mirage 2000.
As training takes place over the coming months, our coalition of countries participating in this effort will decide when to actually supply jets, how many we will supply and who will supply them,” the senior official said. “This training will take place outside the Ukraine at locations across Europe and will take months to complete. We hope to be able to start this training in the coming weeks.”
The decision marks a drastic shift in Washington's stance, which previously viewed supplying Ukraine with F16s as unfeasible.
Zelenskiy
In a post on one of his social networks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy commented on the American decision and said: “I salute the historic decision of the United States and @POTUS to support an international fighter jet coalition. This will greatly increase our army in heaven. I look forward to discussing the practical implementation of this decision at the summit of the #G7 em Hiroshima.”
The F-16 Fighters
Despite the possible arrival of the F-16 and other jets to Ukraine in the autumn, they are unlikely to arrive in time to support the spring-summer offensive that the country is eagerly planning. However, this initiative still represents a significant demonstration of Western determination and could help to strengthen any gains made by the Ukrainians.
Almost 50 years ago, on January 20, 1974, the F-16 made its maiden flight, originally conceived by General Dynamics. This occasion can be described as an "accidental take-off". In 1993, Lockheed Corporation assumed responsibility for the program and later adopted the name Lockheed Martin after its merger with the Martin Marietta Corporation in 1995. Currently, the F-16 is active in 25 countries as a renowned fighter. There are currently 3,000 F-16 fighters, they are considered one of the most versatile aircraft in the world.
The F-16 is a single-seat fighter that can be equipped with a variety of armaments, including advanced air-to-air missiles, smart bombs, air-to-ground missiles and a 20mm Gatling cannon. The military plane has a top speed of around Mach 2, which is twice the speed of sound, and impressive maneuverability thanks to its delta-shaped wings. The F-16, like many other military aircraft, has gone through several upgrades over the years. The latest version, the F-16 Block 70/72, includes significant advances in onboard electronics and combat capability, making it a preeminent aircraft in the modern arena.
Another highlight of the F-16 is its ability to be modified to suit the specific needs of a country or mission. It can also be equipped with various additional equipment, including resupply pods, electronic warfare systems, and reconnaissance systems.
