The Few ready to take on Putin
THE head of the RAF evoked the spirit of “the Few” who won the Battle of Britain as he praised the first Ukrainian pilots to pass out from their training in the UK.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton said: “Ukraine must prevail, your victory is our victory,” as he paid tribute to the 10 young fliers at a ceremony on Thursday.
He told them: “From our own history, we understand perhaps more than most how powerful the few can be against the many.”
He added: “It’s never been more important for us to stand shoulder-to-shoulder to counter those who seek to undermine our freedoms, our liberty, our stability and the security of the international system.”
He told the young men: “You have impressed us immensely with your enthusiasm to learn, your motivation, your professional skill, your courage, and your complete focus on your cause.”
The 10 pilots received basic flying, ground school and language training. They will now move to advanced training provided by the French Air Force before learning to fly F-16 fighter jets. One of the pilots said: “What I really want to say is thank you to the British people who have supported us.”
Motivation
Asked about Sir Richard’s praise, another from the group said: “He showed us the unity of Ukraine and UK. His speech was really important motivation for us.”
During the passing-out ceremony, a senior Ukrainian military officer told the audience: “I want to express our gratitude to all people of Great Britain, the Government of the UK and the armed forces of Great Britain for your support of our country in our struggle.”
He told the pilots: “We will win together. We are strong, we are free, we are together.” The Ministry of Defence said the training is a key UK contribution to the Air Capability Coalition, co-led by the United States, Denmark and the Netherlands, which is helping build a modern Ukrainian air force.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Thanks to the world-renowned skills of the RAF, these pilots have received some of the best training available and are now a step closer to joining the fight against Putin’s illegal invasion. The UK has led the way in building Ukraine’s air capabilities over the last two years, enhancing its aircraft with additional equipment, as well as being the first nation to provide long-range cruise missiles to Ukraine.”
Ukraine is set to receive its first F-16 fighter jets in the summer. The trainees join more than 60,000 Ukrainians who have received training in the UK since 2014, including 36,000 recruits since 2022.