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According to the report, the F-16 fighter jets deployed in Ukraine are piloted not only by Ukrainians but also by foreign pilots, including those from the United States and the Netherlands. It said that a mixed air force unit, comprising Ukrainian, American, and Dutch pilots, has been formed to cover the airspace over Kyiv. They work under temporary contracts and help master the technical advantages of the aircraft. The unit was created by the Ukrainian Air Force in recent weeks for immediate deployment.
The report stated that the international squadron currently plays a central role in the air defense of the Kyiv region, which is being attacked by the Russian Federation with drones and missiles. The unit is staffed by American pilots who have had numerous combat missions in Afghanistan, and one of the Western veterans served in the Middle East before joining the mission in Ukraine. The Dutch pilots come from leading European air combat schools, renowned for their advanced training in interception and modern air warfare. Unlike Ukrainian pilots, who are integrated into the traditional chain of command, Western veterans work on temporary contracts similar to the status of specialized contractors.
Additionally, it is also reported that Western crews have been trained to use Sniper targeting pods for long-range target detection and tracking, while Ukrainian pilots are still learning how to use this equipment. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously announced the arrival of a new batch of F-16s from Western partners, but did not disclose the number of aircraft transferred. Earlier, the media reported that the Netherlands would transfer training simulators for F-16 pilots to Ukraine. The US Department of Defense also signed a contract for the maintenance of F-16 fighters, in particular for Ukraine, for an amount of more than $235.4 million.
The report stated that the international squadron currently plays a central role in the air defense of the Kyiv region, which is being attacked by the Russian Federation with drones and missiles. The unit is staffed by American pilots who have had numerous combat missions in Afghanistan, and one of the Western veterans served in the Middle East before joining the mission in Ukraine. The Dutch pilots come from leading European air combat schools, renowned for their advanced training in interception and modern air warfare. Unlike Ukrainian pilots, who are integrated into the traditional chain of command, Western veterans work on temporary contracts similar to the status of specialized contractors.
Additionally, it is also reported that Western crews have been trained to use Sniper targeting pods for long-range target detection and tracking, while Ukrainian pilots are still learning how to use this equipment. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously announced the arrival of a new batch of F-16s from Western partners, but did not disclose the number of aircraft transferred. Earlier, the media reported that the Netherlands would transfer training simulators for F-16 pilots to Ukraine. The US Department of Defense also signed a contract for the maintenance of F-16 fighters, in particular for Ukraine, for an amount of more than $235.4 million.