The Ministry of Defense has developed new procedures for flying Western combat aircraft

12 August, 2024 Ukrainian F-16 fighters. August 2024. Photo credits: Ukrainian Air Force

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has developed new procedures for flying tactical aircraft, including Western-made ones. This was reported by the press service of the ministry of defense. The ministry noted that the new procedures were based on NATO standards.

In particular, the relevant order contains guidelines, explanations and interpretations developed by the State Aviation Administration of Ukraine. They should help to safely operate tactical aircraft of domestic and Western models.

F-16 fighter jet of the Ukrainian Air Force. August 2024.

Photo credits: Office of the President of Ukraine

A specially created working group in the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is already implementing the new standards. The State Aviation Administration also plans to develop four more sets of such procedures for other types of aviation, including unmanned aerial vehicles. "Our tactical aviation has new flight procedures in accordance with NATO standards, which will enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces.

We are moving forward and doing everything possible to ensure that the Armed Forces of Ukraine have an advantage on the battlefield," said First Deputy Minister of Defense Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk. The ministry reminded that the State Aviation Administration of Ukraine was an authorized body of the Ministry of Defense responsible for implementing state policy in the field of state aviation and protecting Ukraine's sovereignty both in peacetime and in a special period. It was officially announced on August 4 that Ukraine had received Western multi-role F-16 fighters from its European partners.

Flight pass of a pair of Ukrainian F-16 fighters.

August 2024. Photo credits: Ukrainian Air Force

The transfer of combat aircraft of this type to the Ukrainian Air Force has been a lengthy process. Pilots and ground specialists are trained outside of Ukraine in various Western countries that support the Ukrainian struggle against the Russian occupiers.

For Ukrainian F-16 fighters, the United States will mainly supply weapons.

These include AGM-88 HARM anti-radiation missiles, JDAM bombs and GBU-39 small-sized guided bombs.

The United States will also provide Ukraine with the latest version of AMRAAM AIM-120 and AIM-9X short-range air-to-air missiles.