The defense minister said on Monday that Portugal would train Ukrainian pilots and mechanics on F-16 fighter jets, a component she considers “absolutely fundamental” to logistical support.
“Portugal has been sending materials of various types from the very beginning and we have guaranteed our support to Ukraine in this regard, and at the moment we are committed to providing training for pilots and mechanics, which is absolutely fundamental. the component reportedly has this air support with F-16s,” said Helena Carreiras.
The Minister spoke to reporters at the Castelo Branco airfield, where she traveled with the Minister of the Interior to visit aerial firefighting equipment funded by the European Union under the European Civil Protection Mechanism (RescEU).
Ukraine will receive F-16 fighter jets from the Netherlands and Denmark after the United States (US) recently gave the green light, a decision that the Ukrainian government considers “great news.”
The US State Department, which is responsible for the country’s foreign policy, said that the Netherlands and Denmark received “formal guarantees” to send fighters as soon as the training of the first group of pilots for the F-16 is completed.
The United States has strict regulations regarding the resale or transfer of American military equipment by allies.
The Minister of Defense also believes that some countries are more able and willing to contribute, as in the case of Denmark and the Netherlands.
“Us [Portugal] We will contribute to the training of pilots and mechanics for this logistical operation, which is absolutely essential for performance,” concluded Helena Carreiras.
Author: Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
I’m Sandra Hansen, a news website Author and Reporter for 24 News Reporters. I have over 7 years of experience in the journalism field, with an extensive background in politics and political science. My passion is to tell stories that are important to people around the globe and to engage readers with compelling content.