But it is 'going to take a considerable length of time to build up an air force that's the size and scope and scale that'll be necessary.' And that is exactly what happened.'įor the future, F-16s have a role, the general said. If you look at the cost curve and do the analysis, the smartest thing to have done is exactly what we did do, which is provide a significant amount of integrated air defense to cover the battlespace and deny the Russians the airspace. So, if you're going to contest Russia in the air, you're going to need a substantial amount of fourth- and fifth-generation fighters. 'The Russians have thousands of fourth- and fifth-generation fighters. 'So, you're talking about $2 billion for 10 aircraft,' he said. He noted that 10 F-16s are a billion dollars with sustainment costs of another billion. Milley said at the beginning of the conflict, the United States and other contact group nations put the emphasis on ground-based air defense as the best and quickest way to deny Russia air superiority over Ukraine. Austin said it 'is an important example of our long-term commitment to Ukraine security.' It takes time to train all those involved in flying, maintaining, arming and sustaining the aircraft. It will take some time for Ukraine to field a viable F-16 capability. 'Norway, Belgium, Portugal and Poland have already offered to contribute to training, and we expect more countries to join this important initiative soon.' 'In the coming weeks, my Dutch and Danish counterparts will work with the United States and other allies to develop a training framework,' he said. 'Planning and executing this training will be a significant undertaking, but the coordination of this contact group will help make that possible,' he said.Īustin thanked Denmark and the Netherlands, which volunteered to lead a European coalition in providing F-16 training for Ukrainian forces. The group members also discussed plans for training Ukrainian pilots on fourth generation fighter aircraft, including the American-made F-16. And the Kremlin's cruelty only underscores Ukraine's need for a stronger, layered ground-based air defense architecture.' In recent weeks, Russia has intensified its sordid bombardment of Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. 'And this contact group will continue driving hard to help Ukraine defend the skies. 'One of Ukraine's most urgent requirements is ground-based air defense,' Austin said. Many countries stepped up to close those gaps. The group also discussed critical capability gaps that Ukraine is faces, the secretary said. Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov briefed the contact group members on the situation in Ukraine and about the follow-on requirements that Ukraine's defenders will need in the weeks and months ahead.

'I came away from today's meeting as confident as ever in the contact group's resolve and sustained unity.' 'Today, we committed to doing even more to support Ukraine's fight for freedom,' Austin said. Contact group members have also trained thousands of Ukrainian service members in these new capabilities.

The group of nations has delivered air defense systems, armored vehicles and large quantities of ammunition. The military training and security assistance the contact group has delivered, coupled with the incredible bravery and resourcefulness of the Ukrainian people, has been decisive, so far, both men said.

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