US pilots may join combat operations in Ukraine in foreign legion ranks 

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV channel.

"There are 3 options for the supply of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, and all 3 are being considered. The first, the main and global direction is a complete modernization of our fleet to switch to F-16s. This will require about 200 aircraft, preparation of airfields and maintenance units, engineering staff, repair and maintenance plants. It will take several years, 2 or 3 years for sure, to fully prepare the base," explained Svitan.

According to the military expert, all 3 options for obtaining F-16s are promising.

"The second option is to train our flight crew. We can deploy F-16s to our airfields in a "jump mode.” That is, when the aircraft are flying a combat mission and maintenance takes place at European bases. And the third option, which is also being discussed, is the use of American pilots on F-16s who have already expressed a desire to fly combat missions on F-16s from our airfields by joining our foreign legion. All 3 areas are being worked on and all are promising," Svitan emphasized. 

• Earlier, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said that Ukraine could receive Polish MiG-29s within 4 to 6 weeks.

• Slovak government approved transfer of 13 MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine

• Polish Minister of National Defense Mariusz Blaszczak said that the aviation coalition that would provide Ukraine with the fighters would be 100% formed.

• Mykola Oleshchuk, Commander of the Air Force of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, addressed his counterparts from NATO member states, calling for the creation of an air coalition under the slogan "Ground victory is forged in the sky."