President Zelensky details delivery of 61 aircraft to Ukraine in different stages, urging preparation of infrastructure for F-16s
Photo: Office of the President
President Volodymyr Zelensky reported on the difficulties that stand in the way of Western F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.
Zelensky said this at the summit of the Crimean Platform.
The President announced that Denmark will transfer 19 aircraft to Ukraine. They will be supplied "in different stages" and "not quickly" because Ukraine needs to train the appropriate pilots, specialists, and engineers.
"I'll tell you this: a few pilots serve dozens (specialists) of technical personnel," he explained.
In addition, Zelenskyy continued, Ukraine must prepare the infrastructure for modern fighter jets.
"You must understand that our infrastructure is not modern, not for the F-16. We will build it as soon as possible," he said.
According to the president, Ukraine "can count" on 42 more planes from the Netherlands. Out of them, 18 Ukrainian pilots will train. When the training is over, the fighters will go to Ukraine.
"We will be able to get the rest (F-16) immediately as soon as our pilots are ready. In general, this is a very serious number of aircraft… I will tell you frankly: We expected at least 12 (fighters)," Zelensky concluded.
He pointed out that Ukraine needs to train pilots right now, which isn't a straightforward undertaking since you have to pull pilots off the battlefield to send them for training.
Zelensky also said that Ukraine already has missiles for Western fighter jets.
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It should be noted that recently Volodymyr Zelensky visited the countries of Northern Europe.
In particular, Ukraine will receive 42 American F-16 fighter jets from the Netherlands and 19 aircraft from Denmark. Training of Ukrainian pilots will begin as soon as possible.
Greece will also join the training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets.
