Ukrainian pilots undergo training on F-16 aircraft in Romania – Umerov.

Ukrainian pilots undergo training on F-16 aircraft in Romania

A group of Ukrainian pilots are currently undergoing training on F-16 aircraft in Romania. This was announced by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.

Had a fruitful telephone conversation with Romanian Defense Minister Angel Tîlvăr. The key topic was strengthening the protection of Ukrainian skies from Russian missiles and drones. Soon, Ukraine will receive a new Patriot air defense system from Romanian partners. There will also be more F-16s in Ukrainian skies: a group of our pilots is already undergoing training in Romania

Earlier it became known that Ukraine needs at least 128 F-16 fighters to effectively compete with Russia in the sky.

By the way, President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the allies for the new Patriot systems but emphasized that they are still insufficient, as evidenced by the latest Russian attack on Kyiv, which was considered protected.

Earlier it was reported that the administration of US President Joe Biden rejected a proposal by the military to send American contractors to Ukraine to service Western military equipment, including F-16 fighters.

According to sources, the refusal was prompted by security concerns. With the arrival of F-16s in Ukraine, debates about sending American civilians to our country became more critical. In particular, intelligence expressed concerns about the prospect of Russia attacking American contractors in Ukraine.

At the same Time, the United States hopes that European countries will take on most, and possibly all, of the responsibility for servicing the F-16s.