F-16 manufacturer offers Ukraine assistance in training pilots if NATO agrees to send jets
Fighter jet F-16
The chief operating officer of Lockheed Martin, Frank St. John, said that the manufacturer of F-16 fighters is ready to help Ukrainian pilots in training and maintenance if NATO countries agree to send these planes to help Ukraine.
The Voice of America reports this.
"We are ready not only to meet the needs for new F-16s but also to provide any modifications to the F-16, as well as training, equipment, and systems," St. John said in an interview with the Financial Times.
He emphasized that the decision can be made only due to negotiations between Ukraine, the USA, and other Western allies. The publication noted that Lockheed Martin, the Pentagon's largest contractor for the sale of defense products, is not directly involved in these negotiations.
In an interview with the FT, St. John noted that the Ukrainian military has demonstrated an "unbelievable ability to learn."
Lockheed weaponry, including the GMLRS [Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System], guided missile salvo system, and the Javelin missile, helped the Ukrainian army to strengthen its battlefield positions.
According to St. John, the Ukrainians "learned the use of these systems very quickly and used them with great efficiency, so I am absolutely sure that the Ukrainian pilots will master the F-16 and be able to fly them very effectively in a short time."
Although training and technical support will be provided in any third country, Lockheed may, in the long term, consider establishing a base in or near Ukraine after the war's end.
About 3,000 F-16 fighters are currently in active service around the world. Lockheed plans to increase aircraft production at a Greenville, South Carolina plant. It is expected that in the next few years, the plant will be able to produce up to four fighters every month.
Kyiv is asking the West to transfer modern fourth-generation aircraft to strengthen its air defense against Russian attacks. NATO countries are still negotiating whether to supply aircraft to Ukraine.
US authorities, which oversee the re-export of military aircraft or their transfer to third countries, backed the idea last month. Some allies still fear the aircraft supply could escalate the war with Russia.
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Earlier, the Danish government stated that it is ready to hand over F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, but only if this step is approved by the United States, which manufactures these planes.
Read also – Why does Ukraine need foreign jet fighters?
