Portugal to provide F-16 training for Ukrainian pilots – Zelensky

Portugal has expressed readiness to participate in training Ukrainian pilots and engineers on F-16 combat aircraft.

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced this during a joint press conference with the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"Portugal is a member of our tank and aviation coalition. Today, Portugal confirmed its readiness to participate in training Ukrainian pilots and engineers on F-16 aircraft," the head of state said.

Zelensky also discussed with his Portuguese colleague the possibilities of expanding defense cooperation, particularly regarding the supply of armored medical equipment and demining equipment to Ukraine.

In addition, the President informed the leader of Portugal about the situation on the battlefield and the defense needs of Ukraine.

As reported, the day before, the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, visited Kyiv for the first time.

In addition, Greece also agreed to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighters.

For reference:

The US recently approved the transfer of F-16 fighter jets from Denmark and the Netherlands to Ukraine. National Security Adviser to the President of the United States, Jake Sullivan, said that Ukraine will receive the planes after pilot training.

On August 20, the Netherlands and Denmark agreed to transfer F-16 aircraft to Ukraine after training Ukrainian pilots.

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.

Yuriy Ihnat, the Air Forces Command of Ukraine's armed forces spokesperson, reported that Ukraine needs about 128 aircraft to gain superiority in the sky and replace the old aircraft fleet.