Lockheed Martin is ready to train Ukrainian pilots on the F-16s
19 June, 2023 F-16 fighters of the 162nd Air Force Wing of the US Air Force. Photo from the air wing`s page Lockheed Martin Corporation, which is a manufacturer of the F-16 fighters, has confirmed readiness to help Ukrainian pilots train on these aircraft.
The statement was made in an interview with the Financial Times by Frank A. St. John, chief operating officer.
The American company can also help obtain skills in the operation and maintenance of these fighters. "We are prepared not only to meet the needs of the new F-16, but to provide any modifications to the F-16 as well as training, equipment and systems," St. John said.
F-16 fighter jets.
Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of the Netherlands
He also stressed that the decision on warplanes could be made only as a result of negotiations between Ukraine, the United States and other Western allies. It is noted that Lockheed Martin Corporation does not directly participate in these negotiations.
F-16 simulator.
Photo credits: CAE USA
St. John noted that the Ukrainian military demonstrated an "incredible ability to train" on Western military equipment and effectively use Western weapons, including the production of Lockheed Martin, which played a prominent role on the battlefield. The operating director of the American corporation is certain that Ukrainian pilots will master F-16 fighters and will be able to use this combat aircraft very effectively in the shortest possible time.
An F-16 fighter of the Danish Air Force at the Skrydstrup Air Base.
Photo credits: Reuters
As previously reported, in May it became known that Denmark and the Netherlands would lead the European coalition for training Ukrainian pilots on the F-16 fighters.
Ukrainian pilot of the 831st Tactical Aviation Brigade.
2021. Ukraine. Photo credits: Ukrainian Air Force
In the first wave of training, Ukraine is ready to send 24 pilots to study abroad, who have to master the fighters.
Western warplanes should help the Ukrainian Air Force to be more efficient, including because spare parts and materials for servicing these aircraft are much more affordable than spare parts for the Soviet MiG-29s.
AGM-88 HARM anti-radiation missile on the Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter. September 2022.
Ukraine.
Frame from the video Militarnyi
The Ukrainian Air Force noted that the effectiveness of the use of American HARM missiles and JDAM bombs, which Ukraine had already received, would be much better along with multi-purpose F-16 fighters.
This would increase the effectiveness of Ukrainian air strikes on Russian invaders at times.