Lockheed Martin ready to train Ukrainian pilots to fly fourth-generation F-16 fighters

By: Maksim Panasovskiy | 19.06.2023, 20:14
Lockheed Martin ready to train Ukrainian pilots to fly fourth-generation F-16 fighters

Rather unexpected news has come to us from the USA. Lockheed Martin is ready to train Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters.

Here's What We Know

The statement was made by Frank St John, chief operating officer of Lockheed Martin, which is a manufacturer of the fourth generation fighters. In addition, the US corporation is ready to train Ukrainian specialists to maintain the planes.

Frank St. John stressed that pilots of the Ukrainian Air Force have demonstrated the ability to train and can effectively master Western equipment, including Lockheed Martin weapons. In particular, the HIMARS. This has already paid off on the battlefield.

At the same time, Lockheed Martin's chief operating officer noted that the issue of providing Ukraine with fighter jets had to be resolved through negotiations between Ukraine, the USA and allies. The company is not involved in this process.

Ukraine may receive the first F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters from Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway. Each country has several older aircraft in its arsenal. Training will likely take place until mid-autumn.

Source: Financial Times