Ukraine to start working on aviation development concept — Zelenskyy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Photo:Офіс президента)
Ukraine has started working on a new concept for the development of domestic aviation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on Telegram on May 24.
“We’ve started work on a comprehensive concept for the development of our aviation, taking into account the transition to new types of aircraft,” he said after a meeting of the Headquarters of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief.
The concept relates to a new organizational structure, training of pilots and personnel, necessary infrastructure, material and technical support, and other related items.
Ukraine’s military leadership reported to the president on the operational situation at the front.
The defense minister provided updates on the state of supply of ammunition to advanced units and reserves. Participants analyzed existing and potential supply contracts and the dynamics of increasing Ukraine’s own production of weapons, Zelenskyy added.
Western partners finally started speaking about the formation of a coalition to transfer F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine at the recent G7 summit in Japan, a request long made by Ukraine.
Training of Ukrainian pilots is the first step.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on May 19 that his country would work together with the USA, Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark to provide the proper training for Ukrainian pilots on modern aircraft.
Portugal and Spain have also indicated that they could assist in training.
Sunak said on May 21 that the United Kingdom would begin training Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets “this summer.”
According to U.S. television channel CNN, U.S. President Joe Biden informed G7 leaders on May 19 that the United States would support a joint effort with allies and partners to train Ukrainian pilots on fourth generation warplanes, including F-16s.
The timing and number of fighter jets Ukraine may receive has not yet been announced.
The White House has confirmed U.S. participation in the fighter jets for Ukraine coalition. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that in the coming months his country would work with allies “to determine when planes will be delivered, who will deliver them, and how many.”
At the same time, Ukraine will receive F-16 fighter jets on the condition that they not be used to attack Russian territory, Sullivan added.
According to U.S.-based political newspaper Politico, Kyiv may receive the jets as early as this fall.
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