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US and Dutch pilots are operating F-16s for the Ukrainian Air Force due to a shortage of trained Ukrainian pilots. This shortage has been identified as a major obstacle in integrating F-16s, historically used only by Soviet aircraft.

With ongoing incidents resulting in Ukrainian F-16 losses, experienced pilots are now operating as civilian contractors outside the Ukrainian military command structure. This trend includes the management of complex military equipment, such as Patriot missile systems and Abrams tanks, which has been expedited by the involvement of contractors. Reports indicate that the presence of Western specialists is critical for managing advanced weapon systems in Ukraine, with increasing reliance on contractors from various countries.