Ukrainian Ministry of Defense plans to bring the Air Force up to NATO standards
The First Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Ivan Rusnak, and the United States Secretary of the Air Force (SECAF), Deborah Lee James, discussed the development of the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Censor.net quotes the Ministry’s press service as reporting that the meeting was held on Thursday, July 14, 2016 in Kiev.
During the meeting, the parties discussed issues of bilateral cooperation towards developing Ukraine’s air force in the face of the current political and military situation in Ukraine. They also identified other areas for future partnership and assistance.
As Rusnak noted, "in the context of the development of the Air Forces, Ukraine is interested in cooperation in the areas of professional development and leadership of staff, development of airfields and infrastructure, as well as training flight personnel and ground staff in accordance with NATO standards."
Secretary James noted the significant progress in Ukraine’s implementation of reforms in the security sector and in defense and she pledged continued U.S. support of efforts to restore Ukraine’s territorial integrity through the development of modern Armed Forces.