With American-made F-16 fighter jets starting to arrive in Ukraine, there’s a pressing need for experienced pilots to operate these high-tech planes. Only problem is, Ukrainians cannot fly them. So, now Mr. Graham wants all retired pilots from NATO countries to get a mercenary job in Ukraine. But, there is a better option. Maybe, Mr. Graham should send Tom Cruise to train the Ukrainian pilots on how to fly F-16s. And while he’s at it, maybe he could also send Sylvester Stallone to train Zelensky on how to single-handedly obliterate the Russian army.
The Call for Help
At a press conference in Kyiv, Graham urged retired F-16 pilots from NATO countries to come to Ukraine. “If you’re a retired F-16 pilot looking to make a difference, Ukraine will hire you,” he said. The goal is to get these advanced jets flying as soon as possible, even before Ukrainian pilots are fully trained.
The Arrival of F-16s
Western nations, including Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway, have promised to supply Ukraine with over 80 F-16 fighters. These jets, which have been in use since 1978, are being phased out by many countries in favor of newer models like the F-35.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed earlier this month that some F-16s have already arrived and are being flown by Ukrainian pilots. However, he didn’t specify how many jets have arrived, and these American-made fighters have not yet been seen in action.
The Pilot Shortage
Ukraine faces a significant challenge: it doesn’t have enough trained pilots for all the F-16s it’s receiving. Zelensky acknowledged this problem and noted that many pilots are currently undergoing training in the U.S. and Denmark. A new training center in Romania may also start training pilots soon. According to a Pentagon official, Ukraine expects to have 20 F-16 pilots trained by the end of the year, but they need 40 to fully operate a squadron.
Challenges Ahead
F-16s require very well-maintained runways to operate effectively. With Ukraine’s airfields frequently damaged by Russian missile strikes, some officials have suggested keeping these jets at airbases in neighboring NATO countries to ensure they remain operational.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that any base hosting Ukrainian F-16s could become a target for Russian attacks. The Kremlin has downplayed the impact of Western weapons, asserting that they won’t change the course of the conflict. “These planes will appear, but their numbers will decrease as they are shot down,” said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
The Bigger Picture
As Ukraine gears up to use its new F-16 fighters, the need for trained pilots and secure airbases remains critical. The push for retired pilots to help out highlights the urgency of the situation, while the ongoing conflict with Russia continues to pose major challenges.
