First Greek F-16 maintenance officer arrives in Kyiv

The Greek military portal Defenсe-Point reported the information, citing its own sources on June 2.

"Ukraine now has the first officer from the Greek Air Force in Kyiv, serving as a trainer for Ukrainians in the operation of F-16 fighters donated by various NATO member states," the report states.

The outlet emphasizes that over nearly four decades of operating F-16s and due to the "persistent Turkish threat," the Greek Air Force "has amassed extensive experience and expertise in the operational deployment of the fighter in air-to-air missions, particularly in close air combat."

• On May 21, 2023, US President Joe Biden approved the training of Ukrainians on F-16s. Volodymyr Zelenskyy assured that Ukraine would not use these aircraft to strike at Russian territory. 
• Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba says that the first F-16 fighter jets are likely to fly in Ukraine's skies by the end of March 2024.
• On August 17, 2023, the United States approved the shipment of F-16 multi-role fighters to Ukraine.
• At the same time, Denmark said it would supply Ukraine with the aircraft if they were not used in Russia. 
• The Netherlands will provide 42 fighter jets. At the same time, Norway will provide Ukraine with F-16s, but the exact number is unknown.
• On September 15, 2023, Belgium joined the training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16s. Earlier, the Belgian Defense Ministry said it would not provide Ukraine with F-16 fighters because they are outdated and in poor condition. Such aircraft are dangerous to operate.
• On October 11, 2023, Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said that the country would be able to deliver the first F-16s to Ukraine in March-April 2024.
• On October 12, 2023, the media reported that the Netherlands would send F-16s to Romania, where Ukrainian pilots would begin training in a few weeks.
• On October 26, 2023, Ukrainian pilots began flight training on F-16s at an air base in Arizona, USA.
• On November 1, 2023, the Pentagon said that the training in Arizona could last from 5 to 9 months.
• In early January 2024, Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Patrick Ryder said that Ukrainian pilots would complete training on F-16 fighter jets this year.