During his visit to Athens on 26 November, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte underlined the key role of Greece in training Ukrainian F-16 fighter pilots. This is an important element of the recently signed bilateral security agreement. It aims to strengthen Ukraine's defence capabilities in the face of the ongoing conflict with Russia, Kathimerini newspaper reported.
The visit was Rutte's first to Greece as secretary-general of the alliance. He met with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Foreign Minister Georgios Gerapetritis and Defence Minister Nikos Dendias. Rutte praised the significant support Greece has given to Ukraine since February 2022. He also highlighted the urgent need to implement the recent security agreement, focusing on the accelerated training of Ukrainian pilots and technicians.
Discussions on the training of Ukrainian pilots were ongoing between Athens and Kiev months before the agreement was formalised in October. Initially, there was a request for Greece to provide fighter jets, which was rejected due to the country's operational needs. Instead, the focus shifted to training, which Rutte said would significantly boost Ukraine's defence efforts.
The training program for Ukrainian pilots is expected to begin soon. Greek instructors will provide comprehensive training on F-16 fighter jets.
The initiative is part of NATO's broader efforts to ensure that Ukrainian forces are well prepared to operate modern military equipment. | BGNES
