Air power is a basic element of modern warfare. With that in mind the Ukrainians fighting the Russian invasion are in dire need of an enlarged air force component for their defense. And there is a way of correcting this deficiency without NATO enforcing a no-fly zone over the country. The answer lies in the role individual Americans played prior to our entry in the Second World War.
There are voices now calling for NATO air forces to enforce a no-fly zone over Ukraine. This idea, however, is fraught with the danger of escalation, one that would quickly lead to a Third World War – an event we are all eager to avoid. And yet if the Ukrainians had better air cover their chances of repelling the Russian invasion would dramatically increase. That forty mile convoy of Russian armor and support vehicles would be easy pickings for an A-10s, Apache attack helicopters and drones.
So, is there a way to provide Ukrainians with air support without touching the trip wire of a no-fly zone? The answer is yes.
The Second World War broke out in September 1939. During that time Japan had enlarged its invasion of China and the Nazis had driven the Allied Forces off the European Continent. Britain was alone and had its back to the wall. Fascism was on the march.
Through December 7, 1941the United States was a neutral nation. Yet there were those Americans that understood the implications of Japanese and Nazi victory. The light of democracy would be darkened almost to the point of being extinguished. Although they were citizens of a neutral United States they chose to fight against the evil of authoritarianism.
In late 1940 groups of former military pilots began being recruited to fly for the Royal Air Force in what became known as “Eagle Squadrons” – American volunteers fighting for Britain’s survival. At roughly the same time retired Army Air Force officer Claire Chennault began recruiting former Army Air Force, Navy and Marine pilots to an organization, The American Volunteer Group. They became known as the Flying Tigers.
While the Eagle Squadrons used British aircraft, the Flying Tigers flew American P-40s provided by lend-lease to the Chinese government. It is an idea that has come full circle.
With this in mind, there can be a modern day version of either the Eagle Squadron or the Flying Tigers patrolling the skies over Ukraine. There is nothing to stop Western nations from providing aircraft to the Ukrainian Air Force through a lend-lease arrangement or outright aid. Beyond that, there should be no shortage of volunteers willing to thwart the Russian Air Force flying such aircraft painted with the Ukrainian insignia.
If you want to take this one step further, international brigades can also be organized in the spirit of those volunteers who fought fascism in the Spanish Civil War of 1936-1939.
Nor does Putin have a right to complain. During the Korean War Soviet pilots flying aircraft in either North Korean or Communist Chinese Air Force markings regularly engaged in dogfights with American pilots. Similarly, during the Vietnam War Soviet Air Force personnel regularly manned SAM anti-aircraft missiles in the North.
The fight against fascism is now unfolding in Ukraine. That country is taking it on the chin for democracy. Here is the way to help them throw a counter-punch in the face of Putin’s authoritarian aggression.