UK fighter jets are like ‘rocket ships’ but it will be tough to send them to Ukraine, say former RAF figures
It typically takes an experienced military pilot about six months to fly a Typhoon under normal timetables but Air Marshal Bagwell said he believed Ukrainian pilots could learn in up to eight weeks given “time is of the essence”. Ground crew could be trained in about six months.Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he thought the other nations would approve an export request but Germany has previously displayed hesitance in providing major weapons to Ukraine.
“Concerns about possible escalation have faded over time, as more lethal Western equipment has been donated and Russia has avoided widening the conflict. Taking a lead in supporting Ukrainian requests, as with the decision to supply Challenger tanks, bolsters the UK’s position as a leading power in European security, when this is being questioned because of pressures on the defence budget and what some see as its marginalisation because of Brexit.
“Also, the RAF doesn’t have enough fast jets to meet its own commitments, so it will be loath to hand any over. Air Marshal Bagwell added: “It’s going to embolden Ukraine… knowing that the West has got your back and is prepared to put in some of its most modern aircraft to defend you, it must be quite morale boosting. If you’re a Russian soldier or airman, you’re now thinking, ‘I’m about to face a really quite fearsome aircraft.'”The Russian Embassy in London has warned the UK against supplying warplanes.
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