Portugal to train Ukrainian pilots
20 May, 2023 F-16 fighters of the Portuguese Air Force.
2017. Photo credits: Forca Aerea Portuguesa Portugal has made a decision to join the aviation coalition aimed at strengthening the Air Force of Ukraine.
Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, said that Portugal would train Ukrainian pilots and technicians. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, during his visit to Lisbon, Kuleba held talks with Joao Gomes Cravinho, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Helena Carreiras, Minister of Defense. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine told the Portuguese partners in detail about the situation at the front and outlined Ukraine's military needs for effective defense and counteroffensive operations.
Kuleba also thanked the Portuguese government for the decision to join the aviation coalition by training Ukrainian pilots and technicians on Western-type combat aircraft.
Dmytro Kuleba and Minister of Defense of Portugal Elena Carreiras. May 2023. Portugal.
Photo credits: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
Fighter jets for Ukraine
Also today, Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister of the UK announced that his country, jointly with the USA, the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark will participate in the training of Ukrainian pilots on Western fighter jets. "The UK will work together with the USA and the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark to get Ukraine the combat air capability it needs. We stand united," he wrote.
On May 19, US President Joe Biden informed G7 leaders that the US would support a joint effort with allies and partners to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16s. It is expected to take several months to complete. Later, the information was confirmed by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, calling it a historic decision.
The head of state expressed hope that the practical implementation of this decision will be discussed at the G7 summit, which will be held in Hiroshima on May 19-21.
F-16 fighter jets of the 162nd Wing of the US Air Force. Photo from the air wing page
The United States has conducted training tests in flying F-16 fighter jets for Ukrainian pilots.
It will take only 4 months to train Ukrainian pilots to fly American F-16 fighter jets.
The tests involved two Ukrainian pilots, one qualified for the MiG-29 and the other for the Su-27, who had no formal training with the F-16, except for a brief familiarization.