UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has formally requested British Secretary of Defence Ben Wallace look into which RAF combat jets could be supplied to the Ukraine Air Force, following an announcement that London will offer to train Ukrainian fighter pilots for the first time.
The move to transfer fighter jets did not appear imminent, however, as Sunak said it’s intended to serve as a “long-term solution rather than a short-term capability.” But it could mark a pivotal moment in the fight against Russia by kick-starting deliveries of highly capable, Western-made aircraft.
In a statement from Sunak’s office, released ahead of a visit to the UK today by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, London said that as part of talks between the two leaders, Sunak “will offer to bolster the UK’s training offer for Ukrainian troops, including expanding it to fighter jet pilots to ensure Ukraine can defend its skies well into the future.”
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[ Note the sloooooow progression of weapons systems heading to Ukraine. It started with the basics necessary to outfit soldiers. Then the push was for HIMARS, which they received. Then missile defense systems, which they received. Then the tanks and IFVs which are already arriving in Poland. Now the push is for helicopters and fighters. This will not end well. ]