A Ukrainian Eagle Squadron?

In his excellent article, “Give Ukraine What It Needs to Win” Nicholas Kristof concludes that winning the war quickly is the only way to prevent an ongoing massive loss of life is to supply a range of armaments to Ukraine as quickly as possible. He concludes, “I think that Biden will get there eventually, but lives would most likely be saved if he got there this month”.

Because of the fear of escalation of the war by involving NATO directly, which has been called “Sleepwalking into WWIII, no military forces from NATO countries have been directly involved. Amongst the array of armaments sought by Zelensky, the immediate need is to achieve air superiority of the Ukrainian airspace that could greatly reduce the damage created by Russian drones and air support for Ukrainian ground forces. The most readily available and suitable aircraft for both missions is the F-16 Super Hornet of which 4,600 were manufactured.  Although some Ukrainian pilots are now in training in Western countries, this process takes about six many months. If NATO aircraft and personnel cannot be involved, there are many other countries with well-trained aircrews flying these aircraft.

In 1939, before Pearl Harbor and the entry of the US in WWII, many young American men with some flying experience went to Canada to learn to fly for the RAF. Three Eagle Squadrons were formed, which were later incorporated into the RAF. The cost of developing these squadrons was borne by a group of private American citizens.

Presumably, there probably are many qualified pilots who would be eager to be involved in the fight against the Russian invasion. Countries such as Egypt, which are major recipients of US aid could be persuaded to either join the fray directly or release their aircraft and personnel under special arrangements, such as the lend-lease programs in WWII.

Selected aircraft, the F-16 or other types, could be sold or leased from non-NATO countries to Ukraine, and flown by qualified pilots to Ukraine bases. To compensate the personnel involved for the loss of pay and benefits and ongoing professional services, a new organization, such as an offshore foundation, run by ex-military could be formed. The funding required could be put on a credit card by several Wall Street titans. Top Gun: Maverick would be a good inspiration.

Byron Kahrs Varme
Executive Director