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Pilots from the United States and the Netherlands are now flying American-made F-16 fighter jets for the Ukrainian Air Force (UAF), Intelligence Online reported on February 16.
It is unclear how many F-16s Ukraine has so far received out of the 85 pledged by Belgium, Denmark, Norway and the Netherlands, but the number is thought to be between 25 and 30. All the fighter jets are from the older Block 15 model, although they received the Mid-Life Update.
The UAF previously admitted losing four of its F-16s, with the first loss being reported last August, and the other three later in April, May, then in June.
The latest report from Intelligence Online revealed that the UAF secretly formed in recent weeks an F-16 squadron with Ukrainian, American and Dutch pilots to defend the capital, Kiev.
The American pilots include some with extensive combat experience in Afghanistan. One even recently participated in operations in the Middle East before joining the UAF. Meanwhile, Dutch pilots trained in elite European air combat schools, specializing in modern interception tactics and high-tech aerial warfare.
The veteran pilot signed temporary six-month contracts with possible extensions based on operational needs, according to the French intelligence news website, which noted that these pilots hold no official ranks in Ukraine’s military hierarchy and are not listed in public rosters.
The website said that the main value of Western pilots lies in their experience with advanced equipment, particularly Sniper targeting and reconnaissance pods. These systems allow pilots to track targets over long distances, monitor fast-moving missiles and drones, even at night or through heavy clouds.
The main task of the new F-16 squadron is regularly involved in intercepting Russian Kalibr and Kh-101 cruise missiles, as well as Geran-5 drones.
Intelligence Online also said that the fighter jets are conducting patrols, including night ones, maximizing radar coverage and rapid response capabilities.
The report was not surprising at all. Since the initiative to supply Ukraine with F-16 was first announced a few years ago it was widely speculated that Kiev will resort to recruiting mercenary pilots from the U.S. and European countries. The UAF never actually has enough time to train its pilots on the fighter jet.
While Intelligence Online didn’t clarify how exactly these pilots were recruited by the UAF, it is highly unlikely that this was done without the knowledge, and even approval, of their respective countries.
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i’ll have no sympathy when the fucker is shot out of the sky.
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mercenaries???
calling them mercenaries only shields the countries who sent them. they are pilots trained and sent.
call it what it is, nato.
nato pilots in nato aircrafts participate in direct war against russia. they are not mercenaries.