A Ukrainian Su-25 fighter-bomber (Illustration photo: Ukrainian Ministry of Defense ).
The head of the US Air National Guard, General Michael Loh, said that US military pilots have maintained regular contact with their Ukrainian counterparts during the conflict with Russia. Specifically, the US side has assisted Ukraine with advice on combat tactics and the use of weapons produced by Washington.
According to Mr. Loh, with the air-launched weapons that the US provides to Ukraine, Washington will maintain long-term support for Kiev to operate these weapons. In the first stage, the US side will explain to Ukrainian pilots what they need to do to survive attacks, then guide how Kiev can utilize the weapons to strengthen its air power.
Most of this direct support is done through the California National Guard, which has worked with Ukraine since the 1990s in a state-level partnership program.
This network allows Ukrainian soldiers to pick up the phone to directly ask American advisers about issues related to weapons systems, requesting support to handle complex situations on the ground.
In addition, US pilots advised the Ukrainian side on how to operate according to Washington's doctrine, as well as how to use US-made weapons, including AGM-88 anti-radiation missiles and JDAM guidance kits that allow conventional bombs to be converted into smart bombs.
“We are continuing to provide them with tactics, techniques and procedures for things like high-speed deployment, new weapons systems,” said Loh, noting that the support has lasted more than a year since the conflict broke out.
Despite its recent support for Ukraine’s air force capabilities, the US has been cautious about providing fighter jets to Kiev, fearing an escalation of the conflict. However, NBC News reported that at least two Ukrainian pilots appear to have been sent to the US to train with Western fighter jet simulators.
Russia has repeatedly criticized the US and its allies for sending weapons to Ukraine, saying that these moves only escalate and prolong the war. According to Moscow, by providing weapons, sharing intelligence and training for Kiev's military, the West has effectively become a party to the conflict.
Source
Comment (0)