The virtual gathering brought together defense leaders from 50 countries who are actively providing security assistance to Ukraine. Following the meeting, Austin and Army Gen. Mark A. Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, briefed the media on the discussions.

One of the key topics addressed by the group was the training of Ukrainian pilots on fourth-generation fighter aircraft, including the American-made F-16. Austin expressed that the coordination within the contact group would facilitate the planning and execution of this significant training endeavor.

Austin thanked Denmark and the Netherlands, which volunteered to lead a European coalition in providing F-16 training for Ukrainian forces. "In the coming weeks, my Dutch and Danish counterparts will work with the United States and other allies to develop a training framework," he said. "Norway, Belgium, Portugal and Poland have already offered to contribute to training, and we expect more countries to join this important initiative soon."

Notably, Norway, Belgium, Portugal, and Poland have already offered their contribution to the training initiative, and additional countries are expected to join in the near future.

Austin emphasized that building a viable F-16 capability for Ukraine will require time, considering the training of personnel involved in flying, maintenance, armament, and overall aircraft sustainability. He underscored this commitment as a vital demonstration of the long-term dedication to Ukraine's security.

General Milley pointed out that, initially, ground-based air defense was prioritized by the United States and other contact group nations to swiftly deny Russia air superiority over Ukraine.

"So, you're talking about $2 billion for 10 aircraft," he said. "The Russians have thousands of fourth- and fifth-generation fighters. So, if you're going to contest Russia in the air, you're going to need a substantial amount of fourth- and fifth-generation fighters. If you look at the cost curve and do the analysis, the smartest thing to have done is exactly what we did do, which is provide a significant amount of integrated air defense to cover the battlespace and deny the Russians the airspace. And that is exactly what happened."

In addition to military support, the contact group discussed sustaining the fight and explored industrial base initiatives, including coordinated production of critical equipment. Austin highlighted ongoing efforts to deliver Leopard tanks to Ukraine and expressed a similar vision for enhancing F-16 capabilities.

Milley praised the resilience and bravery of the Ukrainian people, whose unwavering spirit and tactical skill have defied the expectations of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The defense leaders emphasized that the nations of the contact group remain steadfast, as they are committed to preventing autocratic powers from invading peaceful neighbors with impunity. They reiterated their unwavering support for Ukraine and pledged to strengthen its position on the battlefield, providing necessary assistance as long as it takes. (ILKHA)