An American top pilot has revealed a plan on how to send F-16s to Ukraine as soon as possible. APU supported his idea.
Last week, the US F-16’s “deadliest” pilot, retired Lieutenant Colonel Dan Gampton (callsign Two Dogs), said he was personally ready to defend Ukrainian skies. Some of his colleagues in America and Europe also agreed to fight against Russia.
Attracting foreign pilots is a real method that will help Kyiv quickly deploy F-16s on its territory and send fighters into combat. To do this, as Gampton made clear, the governments of the countries must resolve the issue of private military contractors flying into Ukraine. And it seems that this plan has begun to be implemented.
“Very real option”
The Ukrainian authorities can buy the F-16, the most affordable fighter model in Europe, however, the main issue in this case remains unresolved – specialists, Gampton believes.
“The most important thing is to find people who are able to fly the aircraft who already have thousands of hours of flight time in these aircraft and do not need training. This is a faster solution than sending the Ukrainian pilot in the United States for a training program. . It will be good when the war is over, but first you have to win the war, and that is one way to do it, how you can do it. Again, it is up to the government and let the politicians decide,” he told Voice of America.
At the same time, as Gampton clarified, there is access to such pilots: “And this is a very real option. So I hope that the people in power in your country hear this and, perhaps, think about it.”
“I would say that there are enough American pilots who are willing to do it if the government solves their issues. Our government is very confusing and complicated, and this is a question for them. There are also European pilots who train in the F- 16 , so there are enough pilots for it. There are just some important details about working and fighting for other governments that need to be worked out,” he said.
The top pilot emphasized that Russia’s war against Ukraine is good against evil, it is a “black and white conflict”: “So I think, in this sense, it should be done by governments that can give of these services, and I hope they can do it. Do it. Even if I go myself, I’ll be number one, you can count on me.”
Dan Gampton served in the wars in the Gulf, Kosovo and Iraq. During his 20-year career in the US Air Force, he flew 151 combat missions and held perhaps the most military awards of any US fighter pilot since the Vietnam War, including a Purple Heart, four Distinguished Flying Crosses for Distinguished Heroism, and eight Air. Force Air Medals. USA for valor during air combat. Gampton also trained pilots to operate F-16s in the Middle East.
“The door is open to everyone”
The Armed Forces of Ukraine quickly responded to the American pilot’s proposal and reported that the “door is open” for everyone. Foreigners can serve in the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, be pilots or employees of the aviation engineering staff, if they have a military specialty, said Yury Ignat, a representative of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
He noted that since the start of the war, thousands of foreigners have expressed a desire to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
“There are many applications from people related to aviation. These are Ukrainians working abroad in various types of aviation equipment. Everyone offered their help to stand up for Ukraine. Among them are citizens of other states,” the spokesperson said.
He recalled that there are foreign legions in the Armed Forces of Ukraine involved in the fight against Russian aggression on the side of Ukraine.
“So why not. If there is a military specialty such as a pilot, an aviation engineer, then these people can become servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on completely legal grounds,” said Ignat.
He also noted that the demand for such specialists may increase after new aircraft appear at the disposal of the Ukrainian troops: “If we have F-16s or other models of equipment, then perhaps the foreigners. Because even the experience of people who have a lot of experience in this technique, it will also be needed in terms of teaching.”
Announcement from Stoltenberg
Western countries will soon begin delivering F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said yesterday. He believes that Kyiv’s allies have already provided enough equipment, including tanks, combat vehicles and rocket artillery, to eliminate the occupation of the territory.
According to the Secretary General, now the goal is to allow the Ukrainians to launch an offensive and return their territories.
“We must continue to meet the need for additional capabilities,” Stoltenberg said in an interview with The Guardian.
At the same time, he did not rule out the transfer of American F-16 fighters to Ukraine, despite the rejection of such deliveries by US President Joe Biden. Stoltenberg clarified that “there is no decision yet on the F-16.”
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Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.