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Ukraine is currently recruiting retired F-16 pilots to strengthen its air force, as stated by a senior U.S. lawmaker. Senator Lindsay Graham indicated that former Viper pilots could secure combat roles if they are interested.
"If you're a retired F-16 pilot and you're looking to fight for freedom, they will hire you here," Graham mentioned to reporters following a meeting with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky. "They're going to look throughout NATO nations for willing fighter pilots who retired to come help them until they can get their pilots trained. So we're going to get these jets in the air sooner rather than later."
Ukraine received its initial batch of F-16s in late July, with an expected total of about 20 ready for combat by year-end. However, training new pilots is progressing slowly. By the end of the year, only around 20 Ukrainian air force pilots will be qualified, which is approximately half the number needed for the available aircraft. The F-16s are anticipated to serve as a deterrent against long-range attacks from Russian forces by compelling them to release their weapons from greater distances.
