Czechia has joined the German initiative to strengthen Ukraine's air defense. In particular, the country can help train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 and Gripen aircraft, states Czech Defense Minister Jana Černohová.
“It's not just about providing missile defense systems, but also about airplanes and training pilots on these aircraft. We can offer countries training on F-16s and Gripen aircraft,” the Czech defense minister said.
According to Černohová, the Czech state-owned enterprise LOM Praha has the capabilities to help train Ukrainian pilots and has repeatedly offered this to Ukraine.
F-16 for Ukraine
Last year, NATO countries decided to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets and train Ukrainian pilots for them. Denmark, the Netherlands, and Belgium, in particular, agreed to provide the aircraft. At the same time, the United States and several other countries have decided to train Ukrainian pilots.
However, as Politico recently reported, Ukraine is not satisfied with the pace and scope of training Ukrainian pilots in the West. Kyiv is pressing the United States and European countries to step up their efforts to train Ukrainians on the F-16.
In addition to F-16s, Ukraine is open to receiving other Western aircraft, including Swedish Gripen jets. So far, Sweden is not willing to give Ukraine its aircraft, but Kyiv wants to start training pilots on the Gripen in order not to lose time when Stockholm makes a decision.
