"The process of delivering Western aircraft to Ukraine has already become irreversible, but handing over the airplanes themselves is only half of the equation. There are still a number of equally complex issues to address," said Alexey Kopytko, an advisor to the Minister of Defense of Ukraine, in his Facebook post.
"Training (pilots and ground personnel) has begun. The specifics regarding the F-16s (42 + 19 units) have been outlined. Clear agreements have been reached on training pilots and ground personnel. For this, an 'aviation coalition' of 11 countries signed a memorandum in Vilnius," he stated.
Kopytko emphasized that the issue of training pilots and technicians is resolved – they will be trained as agreed upon. The current consultations are focused on what will be provided in addition to the aircraft.
"After all, airplanes are just half of the equation. Ground infrastructure (including specialized equipment), ammunition (rockets, bombs, shells – costly items that we don't produce and need to obtain or purchase), maintenance and repairs (parts – obtaining, purchasing, producing under license, etc.). All of this needs to be budgeted," explained the advisor to the minister
