**Ukraine Appoints New Air Force Commander Amid Ongoing Conflict**
The Ukrainian Air Force has a new leader, with President Volodymyr Zelensky appointing Lieutenant General Anatoliy Kryvonozhko as its commander. This comes after the position was left vacant for almost a year, following the departure of previous head Mykola Oleshchuk in August.
Kryvonozhko has been serving as acting head of the Air Force since last August and brings significant experience to the role. He previously headed the Central Air Command from 2015 and had served in the 114th Tactical Aviation Brigade before that. Zelensky announced Kryvonozhko’s appointment on Telegram, citing his confidence in the new commander’s ability to lead the Air Force.
**A Response to Challenges?**
The timing of Kryvonozhko’s appointment may be seen as a response to the challenges faced by Ukraine’s Air Force during the ongoing conflict with Russia. In August last year, an F-16 crashed while defending against Russian air attacks, leading to Oleshchuk’s departure. Zelensky has promised to transform Ukraine’s aviation capabilities, making them strong and modern, on par with NATO standards.
**Developing a 20-Year Strategy**
Zelensky also announced that the Air Force is developing a 20-year aviation strategy, which will aim to ensure that Ukraine’s aviation component is among the strongest in Europe. While details of the plan remain confidential, Zelensky highlighted some positive developments, including the introduction of Mirage jets and an expansion of the F-16 fleet.
**A New Era for Ukrainian Aviation?**
The appointment of Kryvonozhko marks a new chapter in Ukraine’s aviation history. The president expressed his confidence in the Air Force’s ability to carry out complex missions and praised the skill and dedication of its personnel. With Kryvonozhko at the helm, Ukraine may be poised to take significant strides in modernizing its air force and ensuring its place among Europe’s top military aviation capabilities.
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