A U.S Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 555th Fighter Squadron takes flight at Aviano Air Base, Italy, October 24, 2019. The unit performs air and space control and force application roles of counterair, strategic attack, and counterland including interdiction and close-air support in support of the joint, NATO, and combined operations. [U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ericka A. Woolever]
Key Takeaways:
Top Ukrainian pilots are lobbying U.S. lawmakers for advanced American fighter jets (F-15s and F-16s), citing their current Soviet-era fleet is technologically outmatched by Russia's, making air combat highly dangerous.
A bipartisan U.S. bill has been introduced to train Ukrainian pilots on these modern platforms, a move welcomed by Ukraine's defense officials who state their pilots are ready to learn quickly.
While the U.S. is preparing a new aid package focusing on advanced air defense and artillery, Ukraine emphasizes that modern fighter jets are crucial for achieving air superiority and protecting against further Russian aggression.
Ukraine has stepped up pleas for U.S. fighter jets, as two of the country’s top pilots left combat with Russia to lobby Washington, D.C. lawmakers.
The pilots, who go by callsigns “Juice” and “Moonfish” to protect their identities, say U.S. fighter jets would help level the technological playing field for the Ukrainian Air Force as the Russian invasion enters its fourth month.
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