Die Ukraine hat ein internationales F-16-Geschwader mit ukrainischen, US-amerikanischen und niederländischen Piloten gebildet, das derzeit eine zentrale Rolle bei der Luftverteidigung des Oblast Kiew spielt, während Russland es mit Drohnen und Raketen angreift

Ukraine forms F-16 squadron staffed by Ukrainian, US and Dutch pilots

A new international F-16 fighter jet squadron staffed by Ukrainian, US and Dutch pilots has been assembled in Ukraine. The western pilots, who are working under temporary contracts, are helping the Ukrainian pilots to master the aircraft’s technical advantages.

**Details:** The unit was created „in recent weeks“ by the Ukrainian Air Force for immediate deployment. The international squadron is currently playing a central role in the air defence of Kyiv Oblast, which Russia is attacking with drones and missiles, Intelligence Online says.

The unit includes American pilots who „have carried out numerous combat missions in Afghanistan“ and a western veteran who performed missions in the Middle East before joining the mission in Ukraine. Among the Dutch pilots are graduates of „leading European air combat schools known for their advanced training in interception and modern aerial warfare“.

Intelligence Online says that unlike Ukrainian pilots, who are integrated into the conventional chain of command, the Western veterans are working under temporary contracts, similar to specialised contractors. These agreements cover six-month rotations that are renewable in line with operational requirements.

Pilots from the international F-16 unit frequently patrol during overnight Russian attacks to provide a more rapid response to aerial threats and maximise radar coverage. Intelligence Online notes that the most significant contribution of the Western veterans within Ukraine’s air defence structure is their experience and skills in using the fighter jets‘ high-precision sensors, particularly the Lockheed Martin Sniper targeting pod.

This ultra-high-precision electro-optical and infrared system is used for long-range identification, tracking fast-moving targets and conducting strikes in adverse weather conditions. According to several sources close to the General Staff, the Ukrainian crews already had some understanding of these technological components, but only partially, due to the lack of many years of training on this type of Western system.

The international squadron helps repel Russian aerial attacks almost daily, particularly by intercepting Kalibr and Kh-101 missiles, Geran-5 drones and other assets, Intelligence Online added.

It’s very expensive to train pilots. The United States probably has the best retired fighter pilots in the world.