This development was announced by Ilya Yevlash, the spokesperson for the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, during a recent telethon broadcast.
Key Points:
Arrival of Specialists:
- The initial group of F-16 maintenance specialists has begun returning to Ukraine.
- These specialists have received training abroad and will now bring their expertise to support the Ukrainian Air Force.
Training and Knowledge Transfer:
- The returning specialists are expected to share their knowledge and experience with other Ukrainian military technicians.
- This knowledge transfer is crucial for building a robust support system for the incoming F-16 fighters.
Infrastructure and Preparation:
- Ukraine has already received its first F-16 simulator, a significant step in preparing for the arrival of the actual aircraft.
- The simulator, donated by the Czech Republic, will aid in training and familiarizing Ukrainian pilots with the F-16 systems.
Timeline for F-16 Arrival:
- According to Western media reports, the first batch of F-16 fighters is expected to arrive in Ukraine by July 2024.
- Some Ukrainian pilots are nearing the completion of their training on F-16s, indicating that Ukraine is steadily progressing towards integrating these advanced jets into its air force.
The arrival of these specialists and the ongoing training efforts underscore Ukraine's commitment to enhancing its air defense capabilities amid the ongoing conflict. The integration of F-16 fighters, supported by a skilled maintenance workforce, is a strategic step towards strengthening Ukraine's military readiness and operational effectiveness.
