Ukraine plans to hire retired foreign pilots from NATO countries to fly Western fighter jets and assist in the fight against Russia. This decision was announced by American politician Lindsey Graham after a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky. The Ukrainian government is seeking experienced F-16 pilots to fly the transferred fighter jets until Ukrainian pilots complete their training. According to Graham, they are looking for pilots who are willing to fight for freedom. The critical need for experienced pilots is due to the slow pace of training of Ukrainian personnel.

Serhii Holubtsov, Chief of Aviation of Ukrainian Air Force, stated that it would take a long time to get the F-16s into combat operations. He outlined a three-stage plan, where initially the pilots will perform air defense tasks inland, then drive Russian frontline aircraft away from the front line, and finally conquer the airspace. The involvement of experienced Western pilots during this period will help bridge the training gap and quickly organize the necessary capabilities for complex combat missions. Retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Dan Hampton, who flew 151 combat missions during his 20-year career, has publicly expressed his support for this initiative.

ملخص الأخبار

• Ukraine’s plan involves a three-stage process for integrating F-16s into combat operations: starting with air defense inland, then pushing Russian aircraft away from the front line, and finally dominating the airspace.
• The engagement of retired Western pilots aims to address the slow training pace of Ukrainian personnel and accelerate preparations for complex combat missions.
• The initiative was publicly supported by retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Dan Hampton, who offered to fly for the Ukrainian military if needed, emphasizing his combat experience.