The United States will lead a newly formed coalition focused on developing Ukraine’s air force in a bid to bolster that country’s long-term capability to defend itself against Russian aggression.<\/p>\n
This was announced by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin after a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, or UCDG, in Brussels.<\/p>\n
It marks the formation of several distinct coalitions focused on building Ukraine’s future force capabilities. Those coalitions are comprised of the more than 50 countries that make up the UDCG.<\/p>\n
“By leading this capability coalition, the United States will coordinate closely with Ukraine and other partners with the focus on developing Ukraine’s F-16 fighter aircraft capabilities,” Austin said.<\/p>\n
Austin said Denmark and the Netherlands will join the U.S. in leading the effort to ensure Ukrainian forces can defend their skies.<\/p>\n
The two European countries previously announced that they would supply Ukraine with F-16s. Norway has also joined the effort to outfit Ukrainian pilots with the U.S.-made jets.<\/p>\n
The U.S. has joined the countries in training Ukrainian pilots and aircrews on how to employ and maintain the advanced fighters.<\/p>\n