Ukrainian pilots would begin F-16 fighter Jet training in Arizona in October and the US Defence would be handling the training.
According to Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, the training would benefit Ukraine’s long-term defenses.
“Following English language training for pilots in September, F-16 flying training is expected to begin in October at Morris Air National Guard Base in Tucson, Arizona, facilitated by the Air National Guard’s 162nd Wing,” Ryder said.
“Although we do not have specific numbers to share at this time in regards to how many Ukrainians will participate in this training, we do anticipate it will include several pilots and dozens of maintainers.”
The Ukrainians would also have to learn how to speak good English since the language controls most of the craft.
“Although some Ukrainian pilots have English language skills, we are anticipating that all of the pilots coming to the United States will require some level of additional English language instruction, given the complexities and the specialized English that’s required to fly these aircraft.,” Ryder said.
Ryder said F-16 pilot and maintenance training is already underway in Europe led by Denmark and the Netherlands.
Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said on Thursday that it will join the Netherlands and Denmark in providing F-16 jets to Ukraine.
“The donation of these F-16 jets will significantly strengthen Ukraine’s military capabilities,” Norway’s Minister of Defense Bjorn Arild Gram said.
