By KYIV. Nov 20 (Interfax-Ukraine) – First Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Oleksandr Pavliuk, at a conference with the participation of Western partners in Copenhagen, presented a concept, the purpose of which is to organize comprehensive support for the continuous process of integration of the F-16 multi-purpose aircraft into the overall system of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
“One step closer to the integration of the F-16 in Ukraine. Took part in a conference with the participation of Western partners in Copenhagen (Denmark), where he presented the concept of a specially created structure under the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, the main goal of which is to organize comprehensive support for the continuous process of integration of a multi-purpose aircraft F-16 into the general system of the Ukrainian Defense Forces,” Pavliuk wrote on his Facebook page.
He informed that the program will have two stages of deployment: Fast Track, designed until the end of 2024; Scaling.
Thus, the main areas of work will be: support and development of airfield (air base) infrastructure; comprehensive protection of airfield infrastructure, including the air defense system; selection and training of flight crews and other aviation personnel; aircraft life cycle support and logistics support; international communications and other legal, financial, security and administrative functions.
The Deputy Minister emphasized that the development of the tactical aviation capabilities of the Air Force of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and at the same time the re-equipment of aviation brigades, is one of the key priorities.
“As of November 2023, with the assistance of foreign experts, the assessment of airfields for multi-role fighters continues in Ukraine, and the first Ukrainian pilots and engineers continue training on the F-16, which began in August of this year. I thank the military-political leadership of the partner states for their support and help!” Pavliuk said.
