U.S.: Tanks, F-16 jets part of long-term strategy for Ukraine, won't be ready for upcoming offensive
Training for Ukrainian forces on advanced U.S. Abrams tanks has begun, and while those systems will not be ready in time for Ukraine's near-term counteroffensive they will be critical in the longer-term, Joint Chiefs chairman Gen. Mark Milley said
PARIS (AP) — Training for Ukrainian forces on advanced U.S. Abrams tanks has begun, and while those systems will not be ready in time for the imminent counteroffensive, those weapons will be critical in the longer-term to Ukraine ultimately pushing Russia out of its occupied territories, Joint Chiefs chairman Gen. Mark Milley said.
Tank training began as the U.S. and allies began to work out agreements to train Ukrainians on F-16 fighter jets — another long-wished-for advanced capability. Ultimately, while the tanks are needed to expel Russian forces from Ukrainian territory, the F-16s would be part of a longer-term security plan to deter future attacks, Milley said Thursday.
“Everyone recognizes Ukraine needs a modernized Air Force,” Milley said. “It's going to take a considerable amount of time.”
