The Communications Department of the Ukrainian Air Force Command has stated that the report by the French publication Intelligence Online about the alleged creation of a secret squadron of F-16s with foreign pilots in Ukraine to protect Kyiv is untrue.
On February 17, Yurii Ihnat, the head of the Communications Department of the Ukrainian Air Force Command, reported this on Facebook.
"Yeah! And the squadron was led by Tom Cruise," he said ironically.
At the same time, the Air Force emphasized that combat missions are carried out by Ukrainian pilots. According to Ihnat, the pilots successfully shoot down russian missiles and drones, and also neutralized most of the cruise missiles during the morning attack.
What is known about the "secret squadron" with foreign pilots
The French publication Intelligence Online reported that in recent weeks, Ukraine has allegedly formed a squadron of F-16 fighters with the participation of Ukrainian, American and Dutch pilots. The unit was created in strict secrecy to work with new F-16 aircraft. According to media reports, the squadron is to strengthen the air defense system, in particular in the Kyiv Region, which is regularly subjected to russian strikes. It was claimed that the pilots from Ukraine, the United States and the Netherlands do not hold official positions in open staff lists. The main tasks of the unit are defined as air patrol and interception of targets, in particular cruise missiles and strike drones.
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