Zelenskyy: Ukraine has agreements on additional F-16s, pilots need to be trained
Kyiv • UNN
President Zelenskyy announced agreements on receiving additional F-16 fighter jets. The key issue remains the urgent training of pilots for their use.
Ukraine has agreements to receive additional F-16 fighter jets. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy to journalists after the meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the "Ramstein" format and meetings in Brussels, reports UNN.
F-16 fighter jets
According to the Head of State, partners have already confirmed their readiness to transfer additional F-16 aircraft to Ukraine. At the same time, the key issue remains the training of flight personnel, as the speed at which Ukraine can use these fighters to protect its airspace depends precisely on the number of trained pilots.
"We have agreements on additional F-16s. Now we urgently need to train pilots,"
The President emphasized that strengthening the aviation component is one of the important elements of Ukraine's defense amid constant Russian attacks with missiles and drones. According to him, Ukraine must not only receive modern equipment but also ensure the readiness of the military to use it in practice as quickly as possible.
F-16 fighter jets are intended to enhance the capabilities of the Ukrainian Air Force in countering Russian aviation, missile strikes, and drone attacks. At the same time, for the full use of such aircraft, Ukraine needs not only the aircraft themselves but also trained pilots, engineers, technical personnel, and appropriate infrastructure.
The PURL program: what Ukraine will receive within its framework
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also reported that nine countries have already confirmed participation in the PURL program. This refers to a mechanism for purchasing American weapons for Ukraine, including missiles for Patriot air defense systems.
The total amount of support within this program has already exceeded $1 billion.
"Nine countries have confirmed participation in the PURL program. These are missiles for Patriot worth over a billion dollars," the head of state noted.
Zelenskyy urged Ukrainians not to ignore air raid alerts
The President separately warned that Russia may intensify strikes on Ukraine using missiles and drones. Against this backdrop, he called on citizens to respond responsibly to air raid warning signals and use shelters.
The Ukrainian leader emphasized that air defense systems work to protect people, but safety also depends on the discipline of citizens themselves during attacks.
Recall
Earlier, it was reported that a squadron of Skyfox aircraft could be purchased for Ukraine to combat "Shahed" drones.