The head of the American company Lockheed Martin, one of the leaders of the US defense industry, said that the manufacturer of F-16 fighter jets is ready to help Ukrainian pilots in training and maintenance, if NATO countries agree to send these planes to help the country that has suffered Russian aggression.
The chief operating officer of Lockheed Martin, Frank St. John, said this in an interview with the British newspaper Financial Times, published on Monday.
"We are ready not only to fill the need for new F-16s, but also to provide any modifications to the F-16, as well as training, equipment and systems," St. John said.
He emphasized that the decision can be made only as a result of negotiations between Ukraine, the USA and other Western allies. Lockheed Martin, the Pentagon's largest defense contractor, is not directly involved in these negotiations.
Kyiv is asking the West for the transfer of modern fourth-generation aircraft to strengthen its air defense against Russian attacks. NATO countries are still negotiating whether to supply aircraft to Ukraine.
US authorities, which oversee the re-export of military aircraft or their transfer to third countries, backed the idea last month. Some allies still fear that the supply of aircraft could lead to an escalation of the conflict with Russia.
In an interview with the FT, St. John noted that the Ukrainian military has demonstrated an "unbelievable ability to learn."
Lockheed's armaments, including the GMLRS guided missile salvo system and the Javelin missile, helped the Armed Forces strengthen its position on the battlefield.
According to St. John, the Ukrainians "very quickly mastered the use of these systems and use them with great efficiency, so I am absolutely sure that the Ukrainian pilots will master the F-16 and will be able to fly them very effectively in a short time."
Although training and technical support will be provided in any third country, Lockheed may, in the long term, consider establishing a base in or near Ukraine after the end of the conflict.
