Reznikov expects Eurofighter jets from Germany

The main aircraft in the "jet coalition" would be the U.S. F-16, but other models could also be present. In particular, Germany could provide Ukraine with Eurofighter Typhoon fighters.

This was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to the interview of Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov with Ouest France.

"If Britain and Germany joined their capabilities to supply Eurofighter fighters, it would be an important step," he said.

As Reznikov noted, there is already an international "tank coalition" in which the basic model is the German Leopard-2, but there are also U.S. Abrams and British Challenger-2. The minister believes that similarly a "jet coalition" can be formed with the basic model of the U.S. F-16 with Eurofighter and Swedish Gripen.

Reznikov said that Ukraine as a whole needs about 120 fighters. "The F-16s, of which there are more than five thousand in the world, should make up most of it. But Eurofighter and Gripen would also help us," the minister said.

He said that Ukraine would welcome Germany's participation in training Ukrainian pilots on the Eurofighter. "Our British partners are ready to offer Ukrainians training courses on Eurofighter fighters. And with our Swedish friends we are discussing how to start training on Saab Gripen aircraft," he said.

The plan to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighters is being implemented by Denmark and the Netherlands. According to Reznikov, Ukraine is also holding talks with Poland and Belgium on training Ukrainian military pilots on combat aircraft.

Despite the fact that several Ukrainian partners have already promised to train Ukrainian pilots, no country has made clear commitments to provide modern Western fighters. The Netherlands plans to provide F-16s as soon as Ukrainian pilots are trained.

Author – Anastasiya Glotova, 30/05/2023