Media reports indicate the formation of an elite, mixed unit of F-16 fighter jets operating in defense of the Ukrainian capital. The squadron includes experienced veterans from the USA and the Netherlands, with extensive combat backgrounds in conflicts in the Middle East and Afghanistan. This formation, operating in strict secrecy, focuses on countering Russian drones and cruise missiles, representing an unprecedented case of direct involvement of Western pilots in combat operations over Ukraine.
According to reports from the French service Intelligence Online, Ukrainian skies are protected by a new, elite unit of F-16 fighter jets. This squadron stands out due to its unique composition, as alongside Ukrainian pilots, experienced veterans from the USA and the Netherlands are in the cockpits. This is the first widely discussed case where foreign volunteers with such high qualifications are participating in combat operations in Ukraine. The American members of the group are pilots with extensive experience gained in Afghanistan, and some of them were involved in missions in the Middle East just a few months ago. Meanwhile, volunteers from the Netherlands are graduates of the most prestigious European air combat schools. Since the beginning of the Russian invasion in 2022, the issue of transferring F-16 fighter jets has been one of the main topics of Ukraine's negotiations with NATO countries. The first aircraft arrived at the front only in 2024, after a lengthy process of training pilots and ground personnel. The main task of this secret formation is the defense of Kyiv and the Kyiv region against massive air attacks. Pilots primarily carry out dangerous night missions aimed at intercepting Russian kamikaze drones and cruise missiles. Despite precise media information, the official command of the <przypis title=