The first group of Ukrainian pilots who will master Western F-16 fighter jets is ready to start. However, the training has yet to begin, Yurii Ihnat, Spokesman for the Ukrainian Air Force, said on air during the national joint 24/7 newscast.
“The first group of pilots will be the first wave to undergo retraining, then the second wave, and so on. These pilots will be directly trained by instructors in different countries that have provided us with sites,” Ihnat noted.
Ukrainian pilots were trained for the exercises; in particular, they mastered the necessary terminology in English. The Air Force spokesman added that technical personnel will also be upskilling under a different program.
“The training of our pilots is a long-term perspective. I would like to remind you that there will be different groups of pilots: young pilots will undergo training – basic training, English language, light-engine aircraft, then jets – this will be a long-term program,” Ihnat continued.
F-16 training in the EU countries can begin in two weeks, Jake Sullivan, National Security Adviser to the US President, said.
“Yes, we will [do it]. The president has given the green light, and we will allow, permit, support, facilitate and provide the necessary tools for Ukrainians to begin being trained on F-16s as soon as the Europeans are prepared,” Sullivan noted.
Cover: Euronews
